Gongga Shan Attempt. A four-man expedition to Gongga Shan was led by Akio Kanagoe. He had been the leader of the tragic 1981 northeast-ridge expedition which had lost eight of its members. This time the Japanese attempted the northwest ridge, by which the first ascent had been made. They established Base Camp and Camps I, II, III, IV and V at 4000, 4250, 4950, 5740, 6350 and 6450 meters on April 1, 6, 12, 19, 28 and 30. On May 1, Kanagoe and Kenji Yamamoto left Camp V but high winds prevented their getting to the summit.