Today's Close-Up S2024E17 - Mt. Fuji's New Entry Rules: Can They Keep Careless Hikers Safe?

Despite its image as a benign mountain, Mt. Fuji's sheer height and changeable weather conditions make it far from easy to climb. Every year, people are injured or worse, often as a result of attempting the ascent without adequate preparation. This climbing season, new rules are being imposed to try to keep people safe and prevent further tragedies. However, the change applies to one side of the mountain only, leaving climbers on the other side still at risk. We look at why this is, what's actually changed this year and sum up some of the essentials for staying safe on Mt. Fuji's revered slopes.

Guest:
Takekawa Shunji (Board Chairman, Japan Mountain Guides Association)