Mount Fuji Climber Rescued Twice in a Week, Sparking Safety Concerns

A climber, a 27-year-old Chinese student residing in Japan, was rescued from near the summit of Mount Fuji last week due to altitude sickness. Authorities reported that he was airlifted from the mountain. His climbing equipment was also damaged during the initial incident.

Four days later, the same individual was rescued again. He had returned to the Fujinomiya trail, approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, to retrieve belongings, including his cell phone. He was found unable to move, reportedly suffering from altitude sickness for a second time.

The incident has sparked debate, with officials emphasizing the dangers of climbing Mount Fuji during the off-season. While the official hiking season runs from July to early September, there are no penalties for off-season climbs or rescue operations. However, the student's repeated rescues have generated public criticism.

Shizuoka prefectural police have advised climbers to exercise extreme caution, highlighting the mountain's low temperatures and snow cover, even in spring. Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a symbol of Japan, attracts many hikers.

To manage overcrowding and safety concerns, particularly regarding overnight climbs to witness the sunrise, local authorities have implemented entry fees and limited the number of climbers on the most popular trails. Similar measures are planned for other main trails this year.