This is a mountain rich in nature about an hour and a half drive from central Tokyo. Although the elevation is low at about 300 meters, the rugged terrain and beautiful views make it a popular spot among hikers.

I usually sneak off to climb mountains when I have time. In my case, rather than mountain climbing, I mainly go trekking, which is more like hiking in low mountains that can be done as a day trip. Even if the altitude is low, there are unexpectedly steep routes and routes that few people take. I enjoy exploring them on my own."

There are two routes on this mountain: a somewhat steep trail and a gentle trail. On this day, we dared to take the steeper route. Mr. Hiranuma put on his "Columbia" trekking shoes and stomped his way up the rocky terrain.

When I was in elementary and junior high school, I injured my knee and back playing soccer so passionately. That's why I always climb low mountains by myself. It's easier on my body and I can climb at my own pace. However, even in low mountains, you never know what might happen in the mountains. I always make sure I have a headlamp, food, medicine, and first aid kit with me.

Columbia shoes provide a firm grip on bumpy mountain trails with overhanging tree roots. They also provide a firm grip on the bumpy mountain paths covered with tree roots, allowing you to move forward without fail.

Wearing shoes that you can trust makes you feel more secure. These shoes have a good grip, so I feel stable, and they are lightweight, so my feet don't get tired. They are also lightweight, so my feet don't get tired. They hold my feet firmly but don't feel cramped. They are even waterproof, so I don't have to worry about the weather.

There is a spring in the middle of a steep mountain path. I put out my hand and touch it. The stimulation of the cool spring water refreshes your mind. Such small discoveries are one of the best parts of trekking.

I am concerned about safety, but I don't want to wear heavy equipment just because I am climbing a mountain. I want to enjoy the mountains as an extension of my daily life. That's why I often dress casually so that people will say, "You went to the mountains in that? So, I tend to climb in casual clothes that would make people say, "Did you go to the mountains in that? In this respect, Columbia's clothes look good in town and are also functional. For me, it's ideal.

Mr. Hiranuma stops suddenly in the middle of a mountain trail. He takes out a compact camera from a small pouch attached to his backpack.

I sometimes go to the mountains to collect materials for my illustrations featuring the outdoors and nature. No matter how many images I search for on the Internet, I cannot tell the real colors and shades. In the end, the best way is to see it with your own eyes. Sometimes I take pictures instead of taking notes, but I use a compact camera instead of a single-lens reflex camera because I want to be as light as possible.

After taking a few more pictures, Mr. Hiranuma continued on toward the summit.

As the summit approaches, the trail becomes narrower and steeper. We take a break along the way and grab some nuts from our backpacks to recharge our batteries.

I still find roll-top backpacks very convenient. Rain never gets in, and bugs, which I don't like, don't get in (laughs). I also like the fact that it maintains its beautiful shape even when not packed. I'm also glad that the pockets on both sides and other features are well designed.

Finally, the summit came into view. From here, we climbed up steep rocky terrain close to the cliff, using our whole body.

This jacket is three-dimensionally cut so that arm movements are not interfered with. The inner lining is also made of a fawn material, which is breathable and allows sweat to fly right off. I dared to choose pants one size larger and wore them loose, but thanks to this, the crotch does not stick out. All the clothes are designed to be worn in the city, but they are also functional in the mountains.

Finally, we reached the top of the mountain, a 30-minute light climb, but the magnificent view below gave us a sense of accomplishment.

The view from the top of the mountain is the best," he said. It makes me want to climb mountains again."

Mr. Hiranuma sits down from the top of the mountain to admire the view. From here, a cluster of manjushage can be seen nearby, and Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo Sky Tree can be seen in the distance.

From a high vantage point, I can see the shadows in the landscape. The farther away the mountain range is, the lighter the color tone becomes. If the weather changes, the hues will also change dramatically. Climbing a mountain, I can clearly capture such delicate expressions of nature. Since becoming an independent illustrator, I have been observing the colors and shapes of nature more closely than ever before. In fact, what I have learned from the tones and expressions of nature has been greatly utilized in my current work.

After enjoying the view from the summit, Mr. Hiranuma sat down on a fallen tree he found on his way down the mountain and suddenly took out his tablet. On the screen was an illustration he was about to draw. He was going to color in the line drawings on the spot.

I am always tempted by the idea of working at home or in the workshop (laughs). (Laughs.) "I often just make a rough sketch or image and work on coloring in a café or park. I always carry my tablet with me when I climb mountains. Sometimes I work in nature, and it is strangely relaxing and allows me to concentrate.

Ms. Hiranuma has been drawing illustrations since her days as a press representative for a select store. He has never learned how to draw from anyone, but rather taught himself all the skills he needed.

When I graduated from junior high school, my mother gave me a reference book on drawing, saying that I would need it if I wanted to work in a creative field. What I learned from that book became the foundation of my illustrations. I draw lines digitally and color them in analog, and use a variety of materials, from ballpoint pens to oil-based markers and crayons. I am not an artist, so rather than free expression, I value the obvious, which is to complete the work to order within the constraints of the order and to meet the deadline.

In the meantime, a cute car illustration was completed.

In addition to outdoor-themed illustrations, I am often asked to draw man-made objects such as cars and machines. At such times, I dare to draw in nature, which allows me to look at my work objectively."

After completing his illustrations, Mr. Hiranuma took out of his backpack a framed piece of his own artwork. He used trees and fallen trees growing on the mountain path to display them.

The works I have brought today have not yet been shown in exhibitions. Sometimes I try to bring such works into nature before showing them to the public. This is because I can get a bird's eye view of my work by placing it in nature, not in the place where it was created. If I can see my work shining in nature, I feel confident that I can show it in front of people. I also have a mischievous spirit to surprise hikers on the mountain path (laughs).

Ms. Hiranuma's works are arranged in a grove of trees. The subtle blurring of the lines creates a warm atmosphere. The display in the natural setting makes the individuality of the works stand out even more.

After enjoying nature and being inspired by it to the fullest, Mr. Hiranuma safely made his way back down the mountain to the foot of the mountain, where he said, "I am very happy to be here.

I think the process of drawing illustrations and mountain climbing are somewhat similar. To complete an illustration, you can only rely on your own strength, and mountains can only be climbed by using your own feet. And no matter how small the work is, you feel a sense of accomplishment when you complete it, and no matter how low the mountain is, you feel joy when you reach the summit. Perhaps it is my personality that is attracted to accomplishing something on my own."

Wearing Columbia's clothing, you can enjoy borderless fun from the city to the low mountains. Our items combine stylish design with comfortable functionality, and are sure to enhance your everyday life.