Team Members
Tomoyoshi Tsuchiya
Born in 1971.
Captivated by a copy of *Introduction to Backpacking* he found at a used bookstore, he began mountain climbing as a member of his university’s exploration club. After graduation, while working at an outdoor gear shop, he discovered ultralight hiking and rediscovered the wonders of “traveling on foot.”
In 2008, he opened Hikers Depot, a specialty store for ultralight hiking and long-distance trails, in Mitaka, Tokyo.
He has also through-hiked trails overseas, such as the John Muir Trail and the Colorado Trail. In 2019, he visited the Long Trail in Vermont, the oldest trail in the United States.
In Japan, he also undertakes long-distance hikes, such as a 300-kilometer mountain trek from Okutama to the Northern Alps.
Since his wife’s family runs a seafood shop in Miyako, Sanriku, he feels a sense of familiarity with the Michinoku Coastal Trail, as if it were his own hometown.
Having also heard firsthand about the passion the late Noriyoshi Kato had for this trail, he is strongly committed to establishing a world-class long-distance trail in his own hometown.
In addition to running his shop, he actively participates in events and other activities to spread the appeal of ultralight hiking and long-distance trails.
Author of *Ultralight Hiking* (Yama to Keikoku-sha).
Co-author of *How to Explore Uninhabited Areas: Human-Powered Travel and Wild Camping Techniques* (Graphic-sha)