Head of euthanasia firm dies while climbing Mount Fuji

A 58-year-old Swiss man has died while hiking Mount Fuji, authorities confirmed Friday. Bernhard Sutter, managing director of the Swiss assisted dying company EXIT, lost consciousness during the ascent and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. This marks the second fatality on Japan's iconic peak since the start of the hiking season on July 1.

In a separate incident, rescuers successfully saved a 99-year-old Japanese woman who had sustained injuries while climbing. She was found sheltering in a mountain hut after being injured the previous day. The rescue highlights the varied experiences on the mountain, from tragedy to successful interventions.

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Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones in these difficult hours. We express our deepest condolences to you.

Mount Fuji, once a serene pilgrimage site, has become a major tourist attraction. However, the surge in hikers, many ill-equipped for the demanding trek, has led to numerous safety incidents. In response, Japan has tightened access rules, including daily caps on climbers and increased climbing fees, to manage heavy tourism and prevent environmental damage to the fragile alpine landscape.

Authorities are urging hikers to exercise caution, assess their physical condition and experience, and turn back if they feel unwell or if weather conditions deteriorate. The mountain's challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, including subzero temperatures, pose significant risks to unprepared climbers. The increase in incidents has prompted stricter regulations to ensure the safety of visitors and preserve the mountain's natural environment.

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Police are urging hikers to come down from the mountain without pushing themselves if they feel concerned about the weather or their physical condition, and to plan hikes that are within their capabilities, taking into account their climbing experience and physical fitness.