Stranded mountaineer endures double rescue ordeal on Mount Fuji

A Misadventure on Mt. Fuji

Oh boy, Mt. Fuji, the mountain of legend and apples, a must-visit destination on that never-ending bucket list.

You know, I'd fancy a peek at that majestic peak, perhaps even indulge in some mountain-named apples, all while soaking in hot springs with those cute snow monkeys.

But don't let the allure of its beauty blind you, for Mt. Fuji is no walk in the park. Just ask one unlucky visitor from China who learned that the hard way—twice in one week!

According to Nippon TV (via NBC News), a 27-year-old university student from China, a resident of Tokyo, found himself in a pickle when he lost his crampons—essential equipment for traversing ice-covered terrain. Stranded on the mountain's peak, he was airlifted to safety.

You've gotta wonder if that should've been a wake-up call, a humbling reminder to avoid risky mountain climbing escapades, but oh no, not our determined Chinese friend.

No sooner had he been rescued than he found himself missing his prized smartphone, left behind during his dramatic rescue. Lost in the pursuit of his digital world, he decided to return to the summit, hoping to reclaim his lost treasure.

On Sunday, he was found collapsed near the 8th Station (over 3,000m elevation), suffering from what appeared to be altitude sickness. Rescuers had to carry him down on a stretcher in a 14-hour operation.

Now, I can't help but ponder his motivations. Was there something juicy stored on that phone that left him desperate to retrieve it? Or did he simply hope to sidestep a trip to Japan's version of a T-Mobile store?

Either way, his repeated misadventures on Mt. Fuji have earned him a fair amount of online mockery for endangering rescue teams and ignoring safety protocols. As of now, we are still awaiting confirmation on the fate of his missing smartphone.

Still, I can't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him. After all, who among us hasn't flown halfway around the world for a little adventure—only to question ourselves in the heat of the moment?

Enrichment Data:- Repeated mishaps: In late April 2025, a 27-year-old Chinese university student residing in Japan experienced two instances of mountain mishaps on Mt. Fuji within four days. His first need for rescue resulted from losing crampons and gear, and the second from altitude sickness while searching for his lost smartphone[1][2][3].- Off-season climb: The student embarked on an unseasonal climb outside the official July-September climbing season, during which trails are closed, and medical support is unavailable[3].- Ignored warnings: Authorities cautioned about the risks of off-season climbs, including severe weather and hazardous "bullet climbing" practices[3].- Public criticism: The incident elicited online criticism for endangering rescue teams and disregarding safety protocols[1][2].- Unknown phone retrieval status: The student’s phone retrieval outcome remains unconfirmed[1][2].

Despite the allure of Mt. Fuji's majestic peak, some adventure-travelers might find themselves trifling with danger during their mountain trekking, like the Chinese student who lost his crampons and later his smartphone.
The chastening experience of being rescued once wasn't enough to deter this sports enthusiast from fuji mountaineering a second time, where he encountered altitude sickness before his phone's fate could be determined.
In the footnote of this misadventure, the student's audacious pursuit to reclaim his phone overshadowed the risks he took, putting unwinding rescuers and safety protocols in jeopardy, as his plight became the subject of Internet ridicule.
To avoid this folly, it is crucial that any adventure-traveler heed the warnings of authorities who caution against off-season climbs, for the visitor who climbs outside the official season might encounter harsh, hazardous conditions.
As we follow the twists and turns in this tale, we must remember that even seasoned travelers can have reminders of the importance of safety, whether through a near miss or severe adversity, as Mt. Fuji, with its iconic beauty and legendary allure, continues to captivate the lifestyle of those seeking a thrill or an exploration of nature.