Manaslu. Our three-man expedition climbed Manaslu (8156 meters, 26,760 feet) by the normal route, the northeast face. We arrived at Base Camp at 15,100 feet on October 1. In comparison with my expedition to Manaslu three years ago, the route was stable and good and we were able to make the ascent without oxygen in only two weeks. The weather was good and we had few snow slides. We established Camps I, II and III at 19,350, 21,325 and 23,450 feet on October 5, 10 and 11 respectively. Takashi Ozaki reached the summit on October 12 and Ma- saaki Tomita and I on October 14. The hard last day from Camp III to the summit, when we climbed 3300 feet, took eight hours in a strong wind. This was the third 8000er for both Ozaki and me.

Yasuo Kato, Japanese Alpine Club