Ryozo Azuma

• Conservationist and mountaineer, known as "The John Muir of Japan" (pronounced Ah za ma)

• At age 20, attended College of the Pacific in Tacoma, Washington, USA. Learned about John Muir from the name "Camp Muir" when climbing Mount Rainier.

• After reading Muir's books, Azuma visited John Muir in May, 1914. This led to the first of several visits to Alaska.

• Translated Muir's book Stickeen and was responsible for having Travels in Alaska translated into Japanese by Tahei Tobuse in 1942.

• In 1973, Azuma published his book Shizen hogo no chichi Jon Myua. (Life of John Muir, Father of Nature Conservation).

• More information: "Ryozo Azuma, the John Muir of Japan" by William and Mayme Kimes, Sierra, July-August, 1979.

• The Sierra Club made Azuma an Honorary Life Member in 1977.

• For more about Ryozo Azuma and his friendship with John Muir, see Ryozo Azuma, 1879-1980 from View from John Muir's Window, March, 1980, Issue 26, newsletter of the John Muir Memorial Association) (off-site link)