Japanese walker completes 4.5-month trek across Canada coast to coast
Nobuaki Okumura walked from Halifax to Vancouver, documenting wildlife and nature. Canada is the fifth country he's traversed entirely on foot.
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Nobuaki Okumura, known as "Nobby," arrived in Vancouver this week after walking from Halifax over four and a half months — a trek that marks Canada as the fifth country he's traversed entirely on foot.
Okumura, who set a Guinness World Record in 2024 for the fastest walk across Japan, documented the journey with photographs of natural features and wildlife. He made friends with people along the route and wore a borrowed Montreal Canadiens jersey during portions of the walk.
When asked why he began the journey, Okumura said simply: "For my happiness; just for fun." When pressed on comparisons to Terry Fox, he was direct: "I'm not Terry Fox. I like to walk, very much."
Canada's landscape resonated with him. "Canada's nature is very good for me, so anywhere I love, but B.C. is very good," Okumura said. He emphasized the role others played in his journey: "Many people help me. I'm very happy. Without their help and support, I can not walk this long way, I think."
Reflecting on the challenge, Okumura said: "I walk for my happiness, but if that challenge encourages someone, it's my pleasure."
By the numbers
How long did Nobuaki Okumura's walk across Canada take?
Nobuaki Okumura completed his coast-to-coast walk across Canada in four and a half months, traveling from Halifax to Vancouver.
How many countries has Okumura walked across entirely on foot?
Canada is the fifth country that Nobuaki Okumura has traversed entirely on foot.
