Eye-catching Top Stories for April 28
Climber Airlifted Twice from Mount Fuji: Japanese Peak Climber Needs Rescue Once More to Hunt for Lost Phone
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Mount Fuji climber's chaotic rescue and revisit
A 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan, identified only by authorities, found himself in a precarious situation twice within a week while attempting to climb Mount Fuji. The incident took place last week around the mountain's peak.
The individual, who was initially rescued due to altitude sickness and damaged climbing equipment, returned to the Fujinomiya trail, located around 10,000 feet above sea level, four days later. This time, he sought to recover his misplaced cell phone and other belongings. Unfortunately, on this return journey, he developed altitude sickness again and needed rescuing for the second time.
Another climber discovered the man struggling to move. Officials strongly advise caution while attempting to scale Japan's tallest peak during its off-season due to harsh conditions like low temperatures and snow. Despite the potential dangers, hiking trails are not legally restricted during the off-season.
While details about off-season climbers are limited, it's important to note that over 220,000 people ascended the mountain during the official climbing season in 2023, which typically spans from early July to early September[3][5].
Mount Fuji, standing at 12,388 feet high, has a rich history and was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013. It has traditionally been a pilgrimage site and has grown in popularity among hikers[4].
Local authorities attempted to manage overcrowding and risks from rushed overnight climbing along rocky slopes to view the sunrise during the peak season by introducing entry fees and caps on the number of climbers on the most popular trail last year[4]. Similar measures will be implemented on other main trails this year.
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[1] American Airlines Flight to Tokyo From NYC Diverted to Texas for 'Maintenance Issue'[2] Hegseth Announces Plan for US Command Upgrades in Japan to Deter China[3] Mount Fuji Climbs Drop by Half Amid COVID-19 Safety Measures[4] Japan's Mount Fuji to Introduce Entry Fees and Caps on Popular Trail to Control Overcrowding[5] Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Fuji
- The 27-year-old Chinese student, who had already faced a unique ordeal while climbing Mount Fuji, was rescued yet again after developing symptoms of altitude sickness during his second attempt on the Fujinomiya trail.
- Despite the potential risks and harsh conditions during Mount Fuji's off-season, such as low temperatures and snow, hiking trails are not legally restricted for climbers.
- In an attempt to manage overcrowding and risks, local authorities introduced entry fees and caps on the number of climbers on the most popular trail last year, a measure to be extended to other main trails this year.
- Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site famous for its popularity among hikers, has witnessed a significant decline in climbers due to COVID-19 safety measures, with only half the usual number scaling the mountain in 2022.
