Japan Records 3,623 Mountain Rescues and 332 Deaths as Unprepared Hikers Crowd Trails
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jul 19
Japan Records 3,623 Mountain Rescues and 332 Deaths as Unprepared Hikers Crowd Trails
2 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jul 19
Summary
3,623 people were rescued in Japan’s mountains last year and 332 died, both record highs in National Police Agency data.
Mount Fuji veterans say many hikers still arrive in beachwear-like clothing and light gear, underestimating alpine risks even as the official climbing season has just begun.
Tatsuo Nanai, formerly of the Fuji-san Club, warned he is already worried about how many more rescues and deaths will occur before Fuji’s trails close in mid-September.
Although online anger often targets foreign tourists, the report says locals account for the vast majority of Japan’s mountain rescues.