Rei Kawamata completes the climb of "Mandrake" 5th dan +/V15

Climber Rei Kawamata at Shiobara Boulders in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture but I climbed Mandoragora, which is level 5+/V15 .

Kawamata posted the following thoughts on his Instagram:

" I couldn't make the toe after the rotation and I was falling, but when I changed the place where I put it, it was a one-shot. I thought it was a holding thing, but it was surprisingly a trick thing. Maybe it's V14? I'm not sure. "

Posted by: rei.kawamata

Items worn: Beige Iggy Shorts, Street T

On the difficulty of climbing

In climbing, each route has a number called a "grade" that indicates the difficulty.
For example, in Japan there are the following classifications:

• ~ Level 6 (for beginners) → Large footholds and handholds make it easy to climb
• Level 1 to Level 4 (for intermediate players) → The grips are small, so strength and technique are required
• First grade to third grade or above (for advanced climbers) → Quite difficult, even professionals may not be able to climb it

People tend to think that climbing is about "you can climb if you have strong muscles," but in fact "balance," "movement ingenuity," and "endurance" are also important. The more difficult the route, the more you need to use your body and your brain, not just your muscles.

If you'd like to try it for yourself, you can do it safely at your local bouldering gym.