Produced in collaboration with Ellis Brigham and Rab, ‘Masa 居場所 The Place Where I Am’ is a film from Waymakers Collective about the life of trad climber Masa Sakano.

Born and raised in Miki, Japan, Masa relocated to the Highlands in 2013 to pursue his love of winter climbing. The film interweaves these Scottish and Japanese landscapes as it juxtaposes Masa’s family life in Japan, with his daily life spent up icy crags and gullies in the Highlands.

Our editor Will got the chance to chat to Masa last year for Ellis Brigham. Speaking about his affinity with Scotland, Masa said, “In other places, like North America or the Alps, sometimes climbing can feel more ‘safe.’ There are often bolts. Stable conditions. Sometimes the routes are prepared for you. But to me, adventure means doing things by yourself, taking responsibility. That’s why the climbing ethics in Britain really speak to me.”

Masa’s love of climbing comes across as incredibly intuitive – almost like second nature – but this film also demonstrates an integral thread that holds his passion together – community. “In Scotland, I know almost no one else other than climbers. So, in that sense, the climbing community is my life in Scotland.”

From the support of his family back in Japan through to the community of adventurers he’s found in Scotland, ‘Masa 居場所 The Place Where I Am’ is a moving portrait from Waymakers Collective that’s as inspiring as it is meditative. It’s probably one of the most peaceful climbing films I’ve seen actually. A perfect watch as we reach winter’s end and edge closer to spring.

Cover photo: Hamish Frost