A 7-year-old boy was left alone for several hours on Japan’s Mount Fuji after telling his father that he was too tired to continue their climb, prompting a stern warning from Japanese police and renewed concerns over child safety in the mountains.
The incident happened on Thursday, August 20, along the Fujinomiya Trail in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Authorities said the boy was hiking with his 48-year-old father and his older brother when the family reached the mountain’s sixth station, more than 2,000 meters (about 6,500 feet) above sea level.
The child reportedly complained of fatigue.
His father then told him to “wait here” and continued climbing with the older son.
Reports said the boy was left with only snacks and a soft drink and had no money.
He remained alone for several hours while his father continued farther up the mountain.
A worker at a mountain hut later noticed the child sitting alone on a bench and alerted authorities.
The father reportedly apologized and acknowledged that his decision was careless.
Police reprimanded the 48-year-old man, stressing that leaving a young child alone on a mountain was unacceptable.
The incident has renewed concerns over child safety in mountainous areas, particularly as authorities remind hikers to prioritize safety and ensure that children are properly supervised throughout their climb.
