Mount Fuji Opens Climbing Season, 3 Climbers Died Within Two Days

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Three people were found lying unconscious near the crater of Mount Fuji on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, or the first day the climbing season for Japan's highest mountain opened.

The three climbers were confirmed dead the next day, according to the Shizuoka Prefecture police department quoted by the Japan Times.

They were found during a search for a 53-year-old male company worker from Hino, Tokyo, who went missing after climbing a mountain on Friday.

This is the highest number of victims in the previous five climbing seasons, which ranged between zero and two.

Local police urge climbers to consider weather conditions and physical fitness and choose wisely in deciding whether to climb or not.

Elderly Victims

Shizuoka prefectural police said they received an emergency call at around 2:05 p.m. Wednesday from a climber near the summit of Mount Fuji's Kengamine peak, who said someone had fallen.

An elderly man was found lying outside the footpath and later confirmed dead. Prefectural police are investigating the cause of the man's fall.

On Wednesday evening, a 77-year-old man from Komae, Tokyo, was found unconscious on Gotemba Lane and was confirmed dead the next day.

An elderly man was also found lying on the Fujinomiya Line on Thursday morning and later confirmed dead. The cause of death of the two people is still under investigation.

Hypothermic Climber

In addition to the dead, a 29-year-old woman from Komae was rescued Wednesday after apparently suffering from hypothermia.

According to the owner of a mountain inn on the Subashiri Pass, it was rainy, windy and sometimes foggy on both days.

"Mountain. Fuji is a mountain better suited for climbing than walking, so novice climbers should not push themselves too hard,” says the owner.

Bad Weather

Authorities believe that bad weather near the summit was a contributing factor to the incident. That is why climbers must be equipped with warm clothes and special climbing shoes, as well as a flashlight and cell phone charger, to protect themselves from getting lost or having an accident.

They also advised climbers to stay overnight rather than climbing at night. Climbing in bad weather increases the risk of accidents and distress, and also requires time for rescue if problems occur.

“Many visitors come from far away to climb Mount Fuji. But it is important to always check the weather and make the choice not to climb if necessary,” said a police officer.

“The main rule is to only climb when conditions are good,” said Japan Mountain Guides Association director Shunji Takekawa.

In the first half of July, Mount Fuji still experienced many stormy days due to the rainy season, and as the altitude increased, the temperature dropped and the winds became stronger, he said. In some places, wind speeds can reach 25m per second during bad weather.

"Mount Fuji is very special because it is the highest mountain in Japan. "Weather is fickle, and the environment can change in unimaginable ways," Takekawa said.

TEMPO.CO

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