Staff and Advisors
A paraglider tandem flight from
the Japan Alps prepared just for you.
Typically paraglider tandem flights don’t fly from the summit of the mountain because the flight will be affected a lot by the climate and requires a high level technical ability from the pilots. Even if the weather is spot on, we still need staffs to consider the best route for the day, and staffs to greet you once the flight is over.
However, this Thunderbird Alpine Flight is specially attended by experts from various fields, just for you.
Producer/pilot
I’ve flown over so many beautiful scenery around the world.
This is a view I would like to share whole heartedly.
Paraglider Pilot : Yoshiki Kuremoto
Started paragliding at the age of 15. After few years of being an instructor, he starts to fly internationally for competitions. Currently, runs an outdoor facility/school where you can experience paragliding.
1st place Paraglider Asia Ranking for 6 consecutive years(2010-2015) / 1st place Japan National Athlete Ranking(2015) / 1st place Japan League (2015)
20 years of flying around the world, the scenery while paragliding can never be expressed by words. You can “fly” on an airplane or helicopter but flying just with the power of wind, feeling the wind against you is something we, who’ve flown, can only understand.
Paragliding from the summit of the Japan Alps, 3,000m above ground is something you can only experience with great luck. You need the weather and wind to be perfect.
This is a sight you should see at least once in your lifetime.
I am excited to meet the lucky one and to share this beauty with you.
Advisor
I will be reading the weather and advise you with the best route to enjoy the mountains safely.
Mountain weather forecaster: Takayuki Inokuma
Mountain weather forecaster. Representative director of Yamaten, Japan's only company specializing in mountain weather. Former coach of Chuo University Mountain Club. Specialist research committee member and lecturer at the National Mountaineering Training Institute. “Mountain Day'' ambassador.
Author of 「Tenkino Kotowazawa Hontouni Atarunoka Kangaetemita - Thoughts on wether weather proverbs are true」,「Yamano Kantenbouki - Mountain Observation」,「Sangaku Kishou Daizen - Mountain Forecast Encyclopedia」and more…
When I heard about the tandem flight from the ridge line of the Central Alps, I couldn't help my heart pounding.
When climbing a mountain, it may seem like the climb up is more difficult, but descending actually is more dangerous- you more likely injure your knees. How wonderful would it be to turn a dangerous descent into flying down the mountain?
As a weather forecaster, I have always been interested in paragliding, since it highly involves reading air currents and wind. I get excited thinking about being able to feel the updraft while flying through the sky.
However, the Alps(3,000m above) and land are two different worlds. The air currents are complex and dangerous.
This project is only possible because it is lead by Mr. Kuremoto who is a internationally experienced professional paraglider. Due to air currents and topography, this project could only be done in the Central Alps.
I am very honored and happy to be a part of an exciting project. To ensure a safe flight, I will be assisting you with weather-related matters.
Let's enjoy this flight through the Alps together!
Alpinist : Yasuhiro Hanatani
Born in Hyogo, 1976. He climbed Mt. Rokko during childhood. In 1996 he climbed Ratnachuli peak (7035m, Nepal) for the first time. Since then, he has practiced mountain climbing all over the world. He won the Piolet d'Or Award in 2012 for his first ascent of the south pillar of Mt. Cachar (6770m, Nepal).
In 2015, he started the “Himalaya Camp'' project to train young mountaineers, and in 2017 he began managing the Shichijo Hut on Kuroto Ridge, Mt. Kaikomagatake. Active in a wide range of activities both in Japan and abroad. (Certified by Japan Mountain Guide Association/Mountain Guide Stage II)
Mountaineering, camping, climbing, trail running, backcountry skiing...I have enjoyed various mountain activities throughout the seasons, but I had never imagined gliding the sky. I’ve never had an experience that stuck with me so much.
It was a very beautiful autumn weather in Central Alps. After leisurely climbing Senjojiki Cirque and along the ridgeline of the Central Alps, we quickly took off from the summit of Mt. Inamaedake. After catching the updraft and gaining more altitude, I enjoyed flying over the valley for about one hour.
I was looking at the mountain and valley from a perspective I’ve never had.
I didn’t know that mountain ridges are so long.
I didn’t know that the Ina Valley was so big.
Everything I saw from above the sky brought me joy.
I was able to see the Northern Alps covered in snow too.
I shared my experience on social media then my friend asked me if it wasn’t scary. I will proudly say “no”. All I felt was comfort throughout the whole flight.
Nothing can compare.
I wish more people can experience this.
Gouriki Bokka
Gouriki Bokka is a person who guides and carries your luggage during the hike. I will be carrying your paraglider and luggage.
Gouriki : Kojiro Iijima
2008-2009: Member of the Japanese national snowboard cross team. Currently based in Japan. With his experience of overcoming injuries, he shares his joy in challenging himself to overcome the barriers of his age as a conditioning trainer and professional snowboarder.
23 years of snowboarding experience (17 years professional snowboard cross)
April 2020, opened a conditioning and training studio “Core Flex” in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture. Providing support for athletes (Japan's national paragliders, professional snowboarders, professional golfers, etc.), as well as guidance non athletes on how to properly use their bodies -such as daily posture, improving their physical conditions, and more.
Conditioning trainer (adidas performance training instructor)
Japan Snowboard Association Certified Professional
Former Japan Ski Federation Snowboard Cross Japan Representative
Mt. Ontake Guide Association (Strong)
Snowboarding domestic/overseas expedition coach
When I was asked to support/guide for this project, knowing how rough the conditions are at 3,000m high, I honestly couldn’t see it coming true. But when I actually got to fly, the scenery that awaited gave me chills. The wind, the sunshine, the mountain ridge, made me feel harmony with nature.
I will provide full support during the climb. I would like you and your partner and family to encounter this once in a life time experience.
