Richard Reay

Richard Reay (also known as Rich Reay) was born in North York, Ontario, Canada and raised in Kelowna, British Columbia. He is an accomplished author, professional mountain guide, and university lecturer who has spent more than two decades living and working in Japan.

Richard is the author of three original books:

Climbing Mt Fuji A Complete Guidebook, now in its fourth edition, widely recognized as the most comprehensive English-language guide to climbing Japan’s most famous mountain.

Burgernomics The Academic Guide and Workbook, a creative and accessible introduction to global economics and the theory of purchasing power parity.

Babcock’s Bench Boy Beneath the Scowl The Tale of the Speed Goats, the true story of an underdog university hockey team that captured the Canadian National Championship under future NHL coach Mike Babcock.

Richard first came to Japan as an exchange student from the University of Lethbridge. Captivated by the culture, language, and people, he returned after graduation and has since lived in Hokkaido, Miyagi, Niigata, and Tokyo. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master’s Degree in Business earned in Japan.

Since 2008, Richard has worked as a professional Mt Fuji mountain guide, leading climbers from around the world on all four summit routes and completing countless one-day, night, and traditional pilgrim climbs from the base. His experience and expertise were featured on NHK, Japan’s national television network, in the program Japan’s 100 Most Famous Mountains.

When not guiding on Mt Fuji, Richard manages My Tokyo Guide Inc., a licensed Japan travel company specializing in private Mt Fuji tours, nature hikes, waterfalls, and adventure experiences. He also lectures in Economics at Asia University in Tokyo, inspiring students to see the connections between real-world travel, global trade, and human ambition.

Readers around the world follow Richard’s work for its mix of authentic travel insight, cultural depth, and economic storytelling, reflecting his life between mountains, markets, and the magic of Japan.