Japanese authorities and mountaineering experts are warning hikers about the dangers of trekking in May after a 22-year-old hiker from Hong Kong died while scaling Mount Okuhotaka, Japan's third-highest peak. The man and his companion, aged 30, became stranded on Sunday afternoon due to rapidly deteriorating weather conditions.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Severe Weather
The pair were climbing the Gendarme, a steep 3,163-metre rocky ridge west of the Okuhotaka summit, when they were trapped by cold temperatures, fog, strong winds and rain. They reportedly ran out of food during their ordeal. Initial rescue attempts on Monday were thwarted by gale-force winds and heavy rain, with poor visibility grounding helicopters.
A renewed operation on Tuesday saw Gifu prefecture police dispatch a four-member rescue team, supported by a disaster prevention helicopter from neighbouring Nagano. The helicopter rescued the 30-year-old at around 10.30am, and he was taken to hospital for treatment. The 22-year-old, who had already lost consciousness by the time rescuers reached him, was later pronounced dead.
Expert Warning: May is a Dangerous Season
Mountaineering expert Chung Kin-man told a Japanese radio programme that May is usually a dangerous season as it is the transition period from spring to summer. He explained that weather on peaks can become highly unstable, making climbs risky if not impossible. “A seemingly easy terrain can instantly become extremely dangerous if the weather suddenly changes or the temperature drops sharply,” he said.
The Japan Meteorological Agency had warned earlier this week of severe weather, including lightning, violent gusts and hail in eastern Japan, along with risks of landslides and flooding. The severe weather began on Sunday as a low-pressure system moved northeast across the centre of the Sea of Japan.
Historical Context: Similar Incidents in 2014
In 2014, at least 12 hikers died across Japan's Northern Alps in separate incidents during a long weekend of public holidays in May. Mountaineers often flock to difficult peaks during Golden Week, a cluster of four national holidays falling within about a week.
Hong Kong Authorities Respond
Hong Kong authorities said they had contacted the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese consulate in Nagoya, with officers deployed to assist the families. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo is also coordinating with local authorities.
