Mount Fuji Climber Rescued Twice After Searching for Lost Phone

A 27-year-old university student, originally from China but residing in Japan, found himself in perilous situations after climbing Mount Fuji outside its designated climbing season. This month, he was rescued for the second time within just four days, all due to his decision to return to the mountain in search of his lost mobile phone.On Tuesday, he was airlifted by helicopter while traversing the Fujinomiya trail—a challenging route that reaches an elevation of about 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level. His difficulties began after losing his crampons, essential equipment designed to provide traction on icy terrains. In a quest to recover his belongings, which included his abandoned cellphone, he decided to revisit the mountain, only to succumb to altitude sickness on Saturday, leading to another rescue operation. Fortunately, he is now reported to be out of danger. Authorities, including the Shizuoka police, have issued strong warnings against climbing Mount Fuji outside of the official climbing season, which typically runs from early July to September. During the off-season, trails to the summit are closed, and severe weather can complicate rescue operations. Safety measures are enforced due to the region's unpredictable conditions and the absence of medical facilities along the trails.Following the student’s rescues, there has been a backlash on social media, where some individuals criticized his disregard for official climbing advice. Calls for the student to be responsible for the associated rescue costs have also arisen. The majestic 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) Mount Fuji remains a beloved destination and a symbol of Japan, especially with over 220,000 climbers recorded during the designated climbing months in 2023 alone. In recent years, local authorities have taken strides to regulate tourism and enhance safety by increasing fees for mountaineers.