Thank you—it’s a pleasure to be here. I’m Masaki Miyazaki, the fourth-generation owner of my family’s business, MIYAGEN Sake Shop, and the founder of MIYAGEN Trail Engineering, where we create hiking and mountaineering gear. My journey into this field is rooted in two passions from my childhood: tinkering with robotics for competitions and learning about the natural world through Boy Scouts. These early experiences inspired me to study material and structural mechanics at university. After graduating, I worked as a product development engineer for a Japanese outdoor brand for seven years.

But then came a pivotal moment in my life. I decided to leave my job to take over the family business and pursue a long-held dream: hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in the U.S. That trek was transformative—not just personally, but professionally. I tested my first prototype backpack, the CREST40, during the hike, learning invaluable lessons along the way. It was there that I realized the importance of creating gear that adventurers can truly trust. That philosophy became the foundation for MIYAGEN Trail Engineering.

Our family story starts with my great-grandfather, Genjuro Miyazaki. He began MIYAGEN by traveling with a cart, selling goods wherever he could. Eventually, he established the shop in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. Like many businesses during wartime, MIYAGEN faced unimaginable challenges—our original store was destroyed during air raids. After the war, the shop relocated to where it stands today.

My grandfather, Yasukazu, the second-generation owner, was incredibly dedicated to the business. He even slept in the shop to guard it from thieves! Back then, sake shops weren’t just liquor stores—they were the equivalent of today’s convenience stores. But with the rise of corporate chains, small independent shops like ours had to adapt or risk disappearing. Some specialized in liquor, while others found entirely new paths.

My father, the third-generation owner, always told me I didn’t need to take over the family business. He gave me the freedom to pursue my own path, which led me to engineering. Still, two dreams lingered: thru-hiking the PCT and preserving MIYAGEN’s legacy.

The turning point came when my grandfather became ill, and my father decided it was time to close the shop. This happened during the COVID-19 pandemic—a moment of reflection for many of us. For me, it was a convergence of everything I cared about: honoring our 90-year legacy, pursuing my passion for the outdoors, and creating something new. That’s when I decided to take the leap.

The name MIYAGEN Trail Engineering reflects two things: honoring my family’s legacy and embodying my vision for the future. 'MIYAGEN' ties it back to the sake shop, while 'Trail Engineering' represents my commitment to creating lightweight, durable gear for long-distance trails.

Designing gear that’s both strong and light is no easy task. The lighter the gear, the harder it is to maintain durability. But with thoughtful engineering and extensive field testing, I believe it’s possible to strike the perfect balance. That’s the essence of 'Trail Engineering.'

Interestingly, the phrase can also mean 'designing trails.' After completing the PCT, I was struck by how differently trails are designed in the U.S. compared to Japan. In the U.S., trails are accessible and designed to help people connect with nature. In Japan, trails are often steep and challenging, influenced by 'Shugendo,' a tradition rooted in mountain worship.

Travel has been my biggest teacher. Growing up, my bike was my ticket to adventure. I remember, as a middle schooler, riding hundreds of kilometers just to see how far I could go. I even restored abandoned mountain roads and turned them into makeshift biking trails. I’ve always been drawn to nature, too. I carried a field guide everywhere, fascinated by the animals and landscapes I encountered.

These experiences taught me the value of curiosity and perseverance. Taking on challenges, testing ideas, and refining them—that process mirrors what I do now as an engineer and a creator. It’s a mindset I carry into every project.

My engineering career taught me to focus on simplicity and efficiency. In university, I studied material and structural mechanics, and one of my key projects was designing a 3D scanner that relied only on a camera. By keeping costs low, I made 3D scanning more accessible, and that approach continues to influence my work today.

When it comes to product development, simplicity is key. Instead of the traditional PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act), I follow what I call DCAP (Do-Check-Act-Plan). The process begins with ‘Do.’ Taking action—regardless of prior knowledge or the expected outcome—is the most critical step. Overthinking in the planning stage can waste valuable time and resources. While ‘doing’ involves costs, it also generates results, which naturally drive the cycle forward. Good results may not come immediately, but the experiences gained along the way are invaluable. Tools like 3D printers and online marketplaces have made this hands-on approach easier than ever.

One project I’m especially proud of is the CREST40, a 40L backpack I designed and tested during my PCT thru-hike. Built to handle the trail’s diverse challenges—ranging from dense jungles and arid deserts to 4,000-meter (13,000-feet) high mountains—it combines versatility with durability. Every component, from fabrics to straps, was meticulously crafted, with features like a daisy chain for customization and a minimalist, ergonomic design created using 3D CAD. Extensive testing, including countless foam variations, ensured optimal comfort and functionality.

Now in its 29th iteration, the CREST40 incorporates an ultra-lightweight carbon frame developed through advanced CAE analysis and real-world testing. It has received glowing feedback for its fit and adaptability, excelling on both long trails and Japan’s rugged mountains.

For me, the CREST40 represents more than a product—it’s a culmination of my journey in creating gear that adventurers can trust, refined through every step of the trail.

One ongoing project that I’m especially excited about is our collaboration with a local confectionery shop located right next to Miyagen Sake Shop to create Trail Yokan— a confection made from sweet bean paste. Packed with walnuts and rock salt, it’s a high-calorie, high-protein hiking snack. We’re ensuring it’s not only nutritious but also delicious—something hikers can genuinely enjoy, even after repeated use. I’m thrilled to work on a project so close to home, and I’m confident we’re creating something truly special.

We’re also continuing to innovate with the CREST40. The current model features a frame design enhanced through CAE analysis, and we’re exploring additional improvements to make it even better. Alongside this, we’re developing a smaller version—the CREST30—for those seeking a more compact option.

Looking ahead, my long-term vision is to expand beyond gear and into trail design. Inspired by John Muir’s philosophy, I want to create trails and facilities that connect people with nature and foster a sense of appreciation and conservation. It’s about making the outdoors accessible to everyone while preserving it for future generations.

A big thank you to Masaki for sharing his journey and dedication to creating gear that truly supports adventurers. We’re inspired by his unique approach, combining engineering expertise with rigorous real-world testing to craft reliable and innovative products.

You can explore MIYAGEN Trail Engineering’s gear—and even have it shipped overseas—through their e-commerce site. Be sure to follow Masaki on @miyachi0730 and MIYAGEN Trail Engineering on @miyagen_corp for updates on his work and future projects.