Student Rescued Twice on Mt. Fuji . A Chinese student studying in Tokyo recently made headlines for being rescued twice within the span of four days while attempting to climb Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji—each time under dangerous and increasingly baffling circumstances.
The first rescue took place on April 22, when the student attempted a solo climb despite snowy and freezing conditions near the summit. Ill-equipped for the weather, he lost his snow gear and was forced to call for help. Japanese rescue teams braved treacherous conditions to safely evacuate him, saving him from what could have easily become a fatal situation.
But in a twist that stunned authorities and the public alike, the student returned to Mt. Fuji just four days later—alone again—in an attempt to recover his smartphone, which he had lost during the initial rescue. This second climb was as ill-advised as the first, made without proper acclimatization or sufficient equipment. As he neared the upper levels of the mountain, he collapsed, this time due to altitude sickness, prompting another dramatic emergency rescue.
While the student survived both incidents without major injury, his actions have sparked widespread criticism online. Many questioned his decision-making, particularly the risks he took not only for himself but also for the rescue teams, who had to operate in high-risk alpine conditions.
Japanese authorities have reminded the public that Mt. Fuji, while popular and heavily photographed, is a serious climb—especially off-season when snow, wind, and thin air make conditions especially perilous. The mountain’s beauty can be deceiving, and climbers are urged to prepare thoroughly, respect seasonal closures, and avoid unnecessary risks.
This unusual double-rescue story serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the thin line between determination and recklessness when it comes to nature’s most unforgiving peaks.