Ritsu Kayotani

Ritsu Kayotani (通谷 律 Kayotani Ritsu); born April 15, 2006) is a Japanese professional rock climber, specializing in bouldering and competition climbing.

Youth competitions

Kayotani began competing at IFSC Climbing World Youth Championships in 2022. At age 16, he won the boulder title at the 2022 Youth World Championships. He continued to excel in youth competitions – winning consecutive Youth World Championship bouldering titles in 2023 and 2024.

Climbing career Competition climbing Kayotani began competing in senior competitions at age 17, entering the Boulder World Cups in 2023 – consistently making semi-finals. In 2025, Kayotani won the gold medal in the men's boulder event at the IFSC Climbing Asian Cup held in Hong Kong.

In January 2026, Kayotani announced that he would step away from competitive climbing to focus on rock climbing.

Bouldering At age 14, Kayotani sent his first boulder - Gekirin in Nagasaki, first ascended by Dai Koyamada.

In May and October 2025, Kayotani sent two boulders: Nexus in Shiobara and Floatin in Mizugaki.

Rankings World Cup

Notable ascents Boulder problems Tanpopo – Shiobara (JPN) – 17 March 2026 – First ascent. Floatin – Mizugaki (JPN) – October 2025 – Seventh ascent. Nexus – Shiobara (JPN) – May 2025 – Third ascent. Mandoragora – Shiobara (JPN) – April 2026. Gargantua – Mount Hiei (JPN) – December 2025 – Second ascent. Kawaki no umi – Kumamoto (JPN) – December 2025. Tokoyo – Mount Kasagi (JPN) – November 2025 – Fourth ascent. Hydrangea – Shiobara (JPN) – April 2025 – Fifth ascent. Gekirin – Nagasaki (JPN) – February 2021 – Third ascent. Kage – Shikoku (JPN) – December 2025. Hōtō – Mizugaki (JPN) – December 2025. Emotion – Mount Kasagi (JPN) – November 2025. Gakidō – Chigobutai (JPN) – September 2025. Phenomena - Hinokage (JPN) - December 2024 - Third ascent. Bailout – Hinokage (JPN) – December 2024 – Second ascent. Revival – Nagasaki (JPN) – April 2023 – FA.