Father Reprimanded After Abandoning Son on Mount Fuji
Seven-year-old found unharmed near mountain hut after father continued ascent with older son.
Carla Rooney
A seven-year-old boy was abandoned by his father on Mount Fuji.
The child, complaining of exhaustion, was left behind on Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776m. A worker discovered the boy alone near a mountain hut, immediately alerting police.
Police located the child on a bench at over 2,000m, amidst foggy and rainy conditions. Officers then found the father near the eighth station, instructing him to return for his son.
Even if it means having to give up on climbing the mountain together, leaving a child behind is unacceptable.
The child remained unharmed and was reunited with his father. The father reportedly told his son to wait there before continuing towards the summit with his older son.
Local media indicate the father told the boy to "wait here" after the child complained of tiredness. Police officers stated, "Even if it means having to give up on climbing the mountain together, leaving a child behind is unacceptable."
The father reportedly apologized for the "rash" decision, stating, "I made a rash decision, and I deeply regret it." Japanese police reprimanded the father for his actions.