Climbing Mt. Fuji: Commitment to Patients
Takeda’s Mt. Fuji Ascent Celebrated Patients, Purpose and Progress
A team of Takeda employees from around the world laced up their boots and set out on a two-day journey to the summit of Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji. But this was no ordinary hike. It was a powerful symbol of resilience, unity and Takeda’s unwavering commitment to patients who rely on plasma-derived therapies.
The team of 13 colleagues prepared with trainers and with weighted backpacks. Some climbed the stairs in their office buildings, while some team members joined forces to climb a smaller mountain on the Monday of the Japanese holiday Obon, which is known as “Mountain Day”. Meanwhile they prepared mentally by reflecting on the compelling “why” behind the journey.
“The climb encapsulates resilience, collaboration and a celebration of the lives we’re striving to impact together.”
In the past two years, Takeda’s Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit has secured five regulatory approvals in Japan, with three products launched and a fourth expected by the end of this year. It represents meaningful progress for patients in Japan with rare and complex chronic diseases who depend on plasma-derived therapies and often have few or no alternative treatments.
The team reflected on the hurdles patients have had to overcome to manage their conditions, as they began their hike, taking the Prince Route via the Hoei Crater to the Gotemba Trail. The team reflected on the hurdles patients have had to overcome to manage their conditions, as they began their hike, taking the Prince Route via the Hoei Crater to the Gotemba Trail. They climbed more than halfway, then slept, all together side by side in a mountain hut in their sleeping bags.
Then they rose before dawn for the final ascent, to be rewarded with a view of the sunrise from the summit.
- Altitude of Mount Fuji summit: 3,776 meters (12,389 feet)
- Starting altitude (Gotemba Trail 5th Station): approximately 1,440 meters (4,724 feet)
- Trail length (one way): about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the Gotemba 5th Station to the summit
- Total elevation gain: around 2,336 meters (7,664 feet)
- The Gotemba Trail is known as the longest and least crowded of Mt. Fuji’s four main trails, with a gradual ascent and wide, open volcanic landscapes. It is considered the most physically demanding route due to its length and lower starting elevation.
“We did it for our patients. We did it to celebrate the efforts of this team to bring our products to Japan. It was a big effort but we made it.”
For Takeda, this project was especially meaningful because it celebrated progress in Japan, where the company was founded nearly 250 years ago. It also reflected the cultural and spiritual significance of Mt. Fuji itself—a symbol of perseverance, renewal and national pride.
The climbers were supported by colleagues around the world with initiatives including a virtual step challenge, which totaled more than 6.5 million steps, and a U.S. fundraising effort to benefit three advocacy organizations representing patients who rely on plasma-derived therapies—with Takeda matching donations to amplify the impact.
In Japan, a blood and plasma donation drive highlighted the critical need to donate plasma to ensure the sustainability of these therapies. With better diagnosis and wider access through new regulatory approvals, like those in Japan, the need is growing.
“I hope the awe I felt at Mt. Fuji will be carried through my plasma and reach the patients.”
For those who were part of the climbing team, the journey was a moving testament to their commitment to the life-transforming nature of plasma-derived therapies. They have brought back a refreshed sense of optimism and inspiration about the work ahead to continue to meet unmet needs of patients.
“Our journey to climb Mt. Fuji, celebrating our achievements in delivering plasma-derived therapies to the Japan market, was nothing short of incredible. Though the climb was challenging, we supported and encouraged each other all the way. This experience will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
