Tabei, Junko (1939–)

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Tabei, Junko (1939–)

Japanese mountaineer. Born Junko Ishibashi in Miharu Machi, in the Fukushima prefecture, Japan, in 1939; graduate of Showa Women's College, Tokyo, 1962; m. Masanobu Tabei (mountaineer), 1959; children: daughter Noriko (b. 1972); son Shinya (b. 1978).

With Rumie Saso, made 1st all-female ascent of Central Buttress on Tanigawa-Dake (1965); was the 1st woman to climb Mt. Everest (May 16, 1975).

See also memoir Everest Mother (Shinco-Sha, 1982); and Women in World History.