[Fastest Japanese Record] Bamboo Light Artist Chikao Ikeda Summits Mount Everest on First Authentic Mountaineering Challenge

On May 20, 2026, at 9:15 AM Nepal local time, bamboo light artist Chikao Ikeda (43) successfully reached the summit of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest (8,848.86m).

This ascent marks the fastest successful summit by a Japanese person who began mountaineering with zero prior experience specifically to climb Everest. This journey to the highest point of humanity via the shortest route is the culmination of Ikeda's philosophy that "all activities are expression," and represents an extremely rare successful challenge on a global scale.

Ikeda launched this project in April 2025. After reaching Everest Base Camp, he made the decision to challenge the summit.

Subsequently, he focused not only on broadly disseminating information but also on "communicating by meeting in person," undertaking a talk live tour across 42 locations in Japan. By repeatedly engaging in dialogue with individuals in various regions, he conveyed "the joy of supporting challenges and sharing experiences."

Concurrently, he gathered substantial support from across the country through crowdfunding, and commenced activities in Nepal in April 2026. Then, on May 20, 2026, at 9:15 AM, he finally achieved the successful summit.

* "Mountaineering" in this challenge refers to authentic climbing using crampons, ice axes, and similar equipment.

Everest Challenge Overview

Saturday, April 18 Departed Gorakshep (5,160m) Arrived at Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

Sunday, April 19 - Sunday, April 26 Waited for route opening while training

Monday, April 27 Received information that the route to C1 (Camp 1) was secured

Tuesday, April 28 - Thursday, April 30 Waited for route opening while training

Friday, May 1 Received information that the route to C2 (Camp 2) was secured

Saturday, May 2 - Sunday, May 3 Prepared to depart for C1 and C2 for altitude acclimatization training

Monday, May 4 Early morning departure from Base Camp (5,364m) Around 10:00 Arrived at C1 (5,943m) Stayed overnight

Tuesday, May 5 - Wednesday, May 6 Departed C1 (5,943m) Around noon Arrived at C2 (6,400m) Conducted altitude acclimatization

Thursday, May 7 Departed C2 (6,400m) and conducted altitude acclimatization training at 6,800m Arrived at C3 (7,200m), descended immediately without staying, and returned to C2 (6,400m)

Saturday, May 9 - Friday, May 15 Returned from C2 (6,400m) to Base Camp (5,364m) Stood by while preparing for the summit push

Saturday, May 16 25:00 Departed Base Camp (5,364m) heading for the summit 9:00 Reached C2 (6,400m) in one go (without staying at C1) Stayed 2 nights to condition his body

Monday, May 18 9:30 Departed C2 (6,400m) 14:30 Arrived at C3 (7,200m)

Tuesday, May 19 Moved from C3 (7,200m) to C4 (7,900m) 21:00 Departed C4 heading for the summit

Wednesday, May 20 9:15 Reached the summit of Mount Everest (8,848m) 22:00 Arrived at C2 (6,400m)

Thursday, May 21 14:30 Arrived at Base Camp (5,364m)

Friday, May 22 16:00 Returned to Kathmandu (1,400m) via helicopter from Base Camp (5,364m)

Chikao Ikeda: An "expressive artist" rooted in the community, illuminating the world

Ikeda is a founding member of the bamboo light production group "CHIKAKEN," led by Kenji Mishiro.

He develops creative activities across Japan and the world to preserve "Takeakari" (bamboo lights) as a culture for the world 1,000 years in the future.

In his base of Kumamoto, along with private citizen volunteers for town development, he launched the "World's Kindest Village," known as "Christmas Market Kumamoto," which attracts 1 million visitors to Kumamoto in winter. Currently, as its representative, he is dedicated to creating festivals rooted in the community.

Furthermore, he presides over the "CK Dojo," focusing on activities that nurture the unique lifestyles and businesses of young people.

These sentiments toward the community and people are also demonstrated in times of emergency; as the representative of the "Kumamoto Support Team," he conducts disaster relief activities throughout Japan.

Viewing all of his diverse activities—art, town development, and disaster relief—as "expression," he operates as a multifaceted expressive artist.

Websites and Official Instagram for Various Activities

Chikao Ikeda's bamboo light artworks are published on his Instagram. Please take a look. [Official Instagram: @chikaken_takeakari]

Scenes from Christmas Market Kumamoto are available on the official Instagram and official website. [Official Instagram: @xmas_kumamoto]