In 1912, Japanese explorer Nobu Shirase attempted to become the first person to reach the South Pole, but had to retire at 80°05′ South latitude. Now, over a century later, a man is pioneering an unexplored route from the retirement point, aiming for the South Pole on a solo trek. This man is explorer Masatatsu Abe, also hailing from Akita, just like Shirase. This work is based on the research of these two explorers.

Abe and I have been friends for 17 years since our university days, and I had heard about his plan to succeed Shirase’s will from the time we met. Since then, he has accumulated various expedition achievements and raised the nearly US $1million needed for the Antarctic expedition, but the expedition was postponed for two years due to a coronavirus pandemic. The production of this work was initiated in response to his efforts to move forward in spite of the uncertain future. I wondered what was the reason for his insistence on expedition to such an extent.

Explorers are often the focus of attention when they are on expeditions, and their daily lives and motivations are not often discussed. However, I think what is important is the fundamental part of why they go on expeditions in the first place. And when Abe motives were explored, a deep connection with Shirase was revealed.

Even when I am gone
Make sure to find
In Antarctica
The treasures beneath the earth
Until it is brought to the world

These are the verses composed by Shirase in his final moments. What are the treasures beneath the earth? And what drives these explorers to embark on these expeditions? I tried to visualise the motives and personalities of the explorers while also exploring the historical background of 100 years ago.