Tragedy Strikes Mount Fuji Days Before Climbing Season Begins
Just days before the official start of the climbing season on Mount Fuji, at least one person has died and three bodies were found on the mountain, according to local police and media reports.
Among the deceased was professional rock climber Keita Kurakami, an ambassador for Patagonia, who lost consciousness while ascending Japan’s tallest mountain on Wednesday. He was pronounced dead at a hospital, authorities said.
The three bodies were discovered about three-quarters of the way up the 12,400-foot mountain, all near its crater but in different locations. It is believed that all three were climbers who ascended separately.
Last year, seven deaths were reported on Mount Fuji, prompting concerns about overcrowding and dangerous climbing practices. As the mountain’s popularity has soared in recent years, officials have become increasingly worried about the safety of climbers.
Authorities have warned that outside the summer climbing window, Mount Fuji experiences violent wind gusts and snowstorms, making it dangerous for climbers. Toilets and mountain huts where climbers can rest are closed in the off-season, further increasing the risks for those attempting to summit the mountain.
Mr. Kurakami ascended the mountain from the Yamanashi trail, despite having suffered a heart attack in 2021. His tragic death serves as a reminder of the dangers of climbing Mount Fuji, especially outside of the official climbing season.
This year, Yamanashi Prefecture is implementing new measures to ensure the safety of climbers, including capping the daily number of hikers and requiring a fee for access to the trails. A gate will also be installed at the start of the trail, which will be closed during certain hours to prevent nighttime climbing.
As the climbing season approaches, authorities are urging climbers to take necessary precautions and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent further tragedies on Mount Fuji.
