-Part 1 Volunteer Work-

The morning air in the shadow of Mt. Asahidake was cool and crisp. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the rugged landscape of Mt. Asahidake, the highest peak in the Daisetsuzan National Park. A group of Malaysian volunteers gathered at the base of the mountain, our spirits high and our hearts filled with a sense of purpose. Our mission for the day was clear: to repair and fortify sections of the mountain’s trails. Equipped with a rock carrier (stretcher) and gloves, we set off on the hike to collect the crucial flat stones needed for the trail repair on Mt Asahidake. The stretcher was designed to distribute the weight of the stones evenly, making the arduous task ahead a bit more manageable. We gathered flare stones and ensured that they were of the perfect size and shape to fortify the eroded sections of the trail. As we carried the stones to the unstable stairway, the weight of the stretchers reminded us of the importance of our work and the role these stones would play in securing the safety of future hikers. Along the way, the hiking trail was lined with dense forests and dotted with vibrant wildflowers, a testament to the untouched beauty of the area. 

Upon reaching our destination, we were met with narrow and eroded stairs of the trail which had raised safety concerns. Our mission was to ensure the hikers could explore the mountain safely. We toiled to replace the worn steps with wider, more stable woods and stones, often working in challenging conditions. We began by carefully removing the existing steps and digging into the hillside to create a wider and more stable base for the new stairs.The process was slow and physically demanding, but our shared commitment to safety and preservation kept us going. With expert guidance and determination, we transformed precarious sections into secure pathways, preserving both the mountain’s beauty and the safety of its visitors.

The other day, as we continued our volunteer work on Mt. Asahidake, we encountered a section of the trail where hikers had piled stones in the middle, inadvertently obstructing the path. The stones posed a potential tripping hazard and disrupted the natural flow of the trail. We carefully began to remove the stones, taking care not to damage the surrounding ecosystem. It was a reminder that even well-intentioned actions could have unintended consequences, and our role as stewards of the mountain was to maintain its beauty and accessibility while preserving its delicate balance. With teamwork and dedication, we tried to restore the trail to its natural state, ensuring that the hikers could hike safely without disruption.

-Part 2 Malaysian Volunteers Conquer Mt. Asahidake-

Eight volunteers from Malaysia, each filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, embarked on their first ascent of a summit, Mt. Asahidake. Gathering at the Sugatami station with backpacks laden with essentials, we paid attention to the experienced guidance of the staff member, Fuji-San before commencing their challenging journey. The initial part of the hike was serene, leading us through lush forests and the soothing sounds of nature, but as we gained elevation, the terrain grew rocky and the incline stepper, testing our determination.

Even though we were really tired from our first mountain hike, we took regular breaks at every stopping point along the trail. During these breaks, we met hikers from all over the world. We had great conversations where we talked about our volunteer work and our exciting internship in Hokkaido. I love chatting with people from different countries because it helps me to see things from a new perspective, especially when they are from far-off places. I even met a married couple who were hiking ahead of us. What made their journey truly inspiring and heartwarming was the sight of the father carrying their baby as they all climbed together towards the summit.

Before reaching the summit, we discovered a tent held right before the summit. When we got closer, we saw that it was a temporary toilet for the hiker, it was interesting to learn that, the hikers could use the toilet but they need to prepare their own disposable toilet bag, once we used the toilet, we will need to pack them out and we can throw it in the drop box for wag bag in the Asahidake Visitor Center.

 Finally, as we reached the summit, the sense of triumph was overwhelming, we were rewarded with a breathtaking vista of clouds blanketing the valleys below and neighboring peaks stretching endlessly. We celebrated our achievement and the profound connection to the natural world we had discovered on this unforgettable climb of Mt. Asahidake.