【Crowdfunding Launch on June 16】ALS Patient Kazue Wada and Team WADA to Reattempt Mount Fuji Summit, Sending a Message for an Inclusive Society

June 2026

Crowdfunding Overview

TEAM WADA Mount Fuji Summit Reattempt Project

Kazue Wada, who lives with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), and his companions will attempt to reach the summit of Mount Fuji once again in the summer of 2026.

Last year, they reached the 8th station via the Fujinomiya route but decided to descend for safety reasons.

Drawing strength from that disappointment, this year TEAM WADA will aim for the summit once more, this time via the Fujinomiya route.

Through this project, they aim to send a message to society:

"Never give up on challenges, even with illness or disability"

"Possibilities expand when we support each other"

and connect this effort to ALS awareness and social welfare initiatives.

【READYFOR Crowdfunding】

Campaign Period

"June 16, 2026 (Tue) 8:00 AM – July 20, 2026 (Mon) 11:00 PM"

Project Page https://readyfor.jp/projects/172227

【Project Name】Living with ALS

I am Kazue Wada (54), residing in Saitama Prefecture.

In October 2021, I was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a nationally designated intractable disease.

ALS is a progressive neurological disorder in which motor neurons that transmit movement signals from the brain to muscles gradually deteriorate.

As symptoms progress, it affects essential daily functions such as moving limbs, speaking, eating, and breathing. Currently, there are approximately 10,500 ALS patients in Japan.

Despite significant impairment in both arms, I live with the support of home care, home medical services, and rehabilitation.

When first diagnosed, I experienced anxiety and inner conflict.

However, I came to believe: "Rather than seeking reasons why I can't, I want to choose a life of challenging what I can do now."

What the Five Ancient Highways Taught Me

Precisely because of my illness, I decided to take on a challenge: between 2022 and 2023, I completed the historic pilgrimage across Japan's Five Highways.

- Tōkaidō 53 Stations + Ise Shrine Pilgrimage (807 km) - Nakasendō 69 Stations (639 km) - Nikkō Kaidō 21 Stations (173 km) - Ōshū Kaidō (92 km) - Kōshū Kaidō 44 Stations (232 km)

Total: 65 days, 1,945 km walked, 2,534,378 steps taken.

With the support of many people, I completed this journey.

Through this challenge, I learned:

"No one can live alone"

"Possibilities expand when we support each other"

Completing the Five Highways while living with ALS (Total distance: 1,945 km, 2.53 million steps)

Last Year’s Disappointment Fuels This Reattempt

In 2025, I made my first attempt to summit Mount Fuji with my companions.

We reached near the 8th station via the Fujinomiya route, but due to the risk of falling during descent, we prioritized safety and decided to descend.

We were so close to the summit.

I shed tears of regret.

Yet at the same time, I gained a new insight:

"Had I not had ALS, I might never have considered attempting Mount Fuji."

This experience has led directly to this year’s reattempt.

The Mission of TEAM WADA

This challenge is not mine alone.

"TEAM WADA," composed of caregivers, friends, volunteers, videographers, mountain guides, and home care and medical professionals, will undertake this journey together.

TEAM WADA’s goal is not merely to reach the summit of Mount Fuji.

Through this challenge, we aim to:

- Inspire hope for ALS patients and their families - Express gratitude to home care and medical staff - Promote social participation for people with disabilities - Increase understanding of intractable diseases - Realize an inclusive society - Advance social welfare initiatives

Toward a society where everyone, regardless of illness or disability, can pursue dreams and goals.

TEAM WADA will send this first step from the summit of Mount Fuji.

TEAM WADA’s Reattempt

This challenge is not just mine.

"TEAM WADA," made up of caregivers, friends, volunteers, videographers, mountain guides, and others, will undertake this journey together.

2026 Mount Fuji Summit Reattempt Project Overview

Building on the experience and challenges from 2025, TEAM WADA will reattempt the summit via the Fujinomiya route in summer 2026.

Last year, we reached near the 8th station via the Fujinomiya route but descended for safety.

This year, with thorough preparation and a robust support system, we aim to witness the sunrise from the summit.

Project Overview

【Project Name】

TEAM WADA Mount Fuji Summit Reattempt Project

【Schedule】

July 30 (Thu), 2026 – August 1 (Sat), 2026

【Summit Route】

Fujinomiya Route

【Goals】

- Reach the summit of Mount Fuji (elevation 3,776 m) - Witness the sunrise - Complete the "Ohachi-meguri" (summit ridge walk) - Send thank-you postcards with summit cancellation stamps from the Mount Fuji Summit Post Office

【Organizer】

Voluntary Group: Living with ALS Association

Schedule

July 30, 2026 (Thu)

Depart from Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Shrine

↓

Arrive at Fujinomiya 5th Station

↓

Overnight at Sato Hut

July 31, 2026 (Fri)

Depart from Fujinomiya 5th Station

↓

Overnight at Taisho-kan Hut (8th Station)

August 1, 2026 (Sat)

Arrive at summit

↓

Witness sunrise

↓

Live stream from summit (planned)

↓

Complete Ohachi-meguri

↓

Send thank-you postcards from Mount Fuji Summit Post Office

↓

Descend to Fujinomiya 5th Station

Live Stream from the Summit

On the early morning of August 1, 2026, we plan to live stream the sunrise from the summit of Mount Fuji.

We hope those unable to visit in person can share in TEAM WADA’s challenge in real time and experience the emotion together.

We also welcome media—TV, newspapers, and web outlets—to use this as an opportunity for coverage and reporting.

About TEAM WADA

This challenge is not just Kazue Wada’s.

TEAM WADA consists of:

- Caregivers - Home care staff - Home medical staff - Volunteers - Video crew - Mountain guides - Friends and supporters

and many others.

"Possibilities expand when we support each other."

TEAM WADA will send this very image to society.

Training for the Mount Fuji Reattempt

TEAM WADA Training Climb for Mount Fuji Reattempt (Nasu-dake Summit)

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYfZm8qzwfu/?igsh=bTh2N2NzN3duMWp1

To build physical strength and strengthen team coordination, TEAM WADA conducts regular training climbs.

In May 2026, a joint training session was held on Mount Nasu.

We are confirming safety management and caregiving systems as we prepare for the main event.

Reaching the summit is not the end goal

TEAM WADA’s goal is not merely to reach the summit of Mount Fuji.

Through this project, we aim to:

- Inspire hope for ALS patients and their families - Express gratitude to home care and medical staff