TOKYO: A 48-year-old Japanese father has been reprimanded by police after leaving his seven-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji when the child became too tired to continue the climb.
The incident took place on the Fujinomiya Trail, one of the main routes to the summit of Japan’s highest mountain. The father was hiking with his two sons when the younger child complained of exhaustion. Instead of turning back with him, the father reportedly told the boy to wait and continued climbing toward the summit with his older son.
Child Left at More Than 2,000 Metres
The seven-year-old was left near the trail’s sixth station, at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres. Reports said the father gave the child some snacks and a soft drink before continuing the ascent.
The boy was reportedly left alone in the early hours of Thursday. Conditions on the mountain included fog and rain, raising additional safety concerns because weather on Mount Fuji can change rapidly.
Mountain Hut Worker Finds Boy Alone
A worker at a mountain hut later discovered the child sitting alone on a bench near the sixth station.
The worker brought him inside for shelter and contacted police. By that time, the father had continued climbing and had reached around the eighth station, several hours farther up the route.
Police contacted the father and instructed him to return to his son. The child was unharmed and was eventually reunited with his father.
Father Says He Regrets the Decision
After being reunited with his son, the father reportedly acknowledged that leaving the child alone was a rash decision and expressed regret.
Japanese police reprimanded the man and stressed that hikers should not leave members of their group behind, particularly children, simply to continue toward a destination.
Authorities also urged climbers to plan their hikes according to the ability of the least physically capable member of the group and to remain together when conditions become difficult.
Safety Concerns on Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji rises to 3,776 metres and attracts large numbers of climbers each year. Although the mountain is a popular tourist destination, its altitude, steep terrain and rapidly changing weather can create serious risks.
The incident has renewed attention on the importance of adequate preparation when hiking with children. Fatigue at high altitude can become more serious, while leaving a young child alone in an unfamiliar and potentially hazardous environment can significantly increase the risk of injury or exposure.
No Serious Injury Reported
Fortunately, the child was found before he suffered any reported injury and was safely reunited with his father.
Police have reportedly not indicated whether the father will face criminal charges. The case has nevertheless prompted a strong reminder from authorities that reaching a mountain summit should never take priority over the safety of a child or another member of a hiking group.
