A 27-year-old Chinese student needed rescuing twice in four days because of his mobile phone on Mount Fuji.

On April 22, the student embarked on a solo climb via the Fujinomiya trail, reaching an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet) above sea level. During this ascent, he developed altitude sickness and lost his crampons, essential for navigating the icy terrain. Unable to descend, he contacted emergency services and was airlifted to safety. 

Undeterred, he returned to the mountain on April 26 to retrieve his phone and other belongings left behind during the initial rescue. However, he once again succumbed to altitude sickness at a similar elevation. Another climber discovered him incapacitated, prompting a second airlift and hospitalization. 

These incidents occurred outside Mount Fuji’s official climbing season, which runs from early July to early September. Authorities caution against off-season climbs due to hazardous conditions, including snow-covered trails and limited emergency services. 

The student’s repeated rescues have sparked debate on social media, with some calling for him to bear the costs of the operations. Currently, there are no penalties for requiring rescue on Mount Fuji, but this case has reignited discussions about implementing stricter regulations and fees to deter ill-prepared climbers. 

Authorities continue to urge climbers to adhere to official guidelines and avoid unnecessary risks that could endanger themselves and others.