In brief
A 27-year-old student found himself in peril after choosing to search for his lost phone on Mount Fuji, leading to two rescue operations within four days.
The 27-year-old university student, who is Chinese and resides in Japan, undertook the climb to Mount Fuji outside of its designated climbing season, leading to significant consequences. Initially rescued by helicopter on Tuesday while traversing the Fujinomiya trail—part of Mount Fuji that reaches approximately 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level—he became stranded after losing his crampons, essential for grip on icy terrain. In an attempt to retrieve his belongings, including his mobile phone, he made the risky decision to return to the mountain. This second attempt culminated in another rescue on Saturday, as he developed altitude sickness, although he is reportedly out of danger now. Authorities strongly discourage trekking Mount Fuji during its off-season, which spans from early July to early September, due to the unpredictable weather conditions that can compromise the safety of climbers and rescue teams. All summit trails are closed during this period, as confirmed by Japan's environment ministry. In light of this incident, local police in Shizuoka prefecture reiterated their warnings against off-season climbs, highlighting how rapidly changing weather can hinder rescue efforts. Additionally, medical facilities on the trails are no longer operational during these months. Criticism has emerged on social media platforms, where some individuals have expressed outrage regarding the student's disregard for safety precautions, suggesting he should bear the costs of both rescue missions. Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet), is not only famous for its stunning symmetry but also increasingly prioritized by authorities who are combatting issues stemming from overtourism through heightened climbing fees. Between July and September of this year alone, over 220,000 individuals successfully summited Mount Fuji. Recent snowfall has also graced the peak of Mount Fuji after a notable hiatus, attracting various attention for its beautiful winter scenery.
