Emerging
Jun 18, 20262
71%
Record 3,623 people stranded on Japan's mountains in 2025
Japan's National Police Agency reported a record 3,623 mountain stranding incidents in 2025, including 246 foreign visitors—both all-time highs since records began in 1961. The data shows 332 deaths or missing persons and 1,480 injuries, with demographic analysis revealing that seniors and backcountry sports enthusiasts represent significant portions of those requiring rescue.
Quick Facts
Who
Japan National Police Agency
What
Record number of mountain stranding incidents
When
2025
Where
Japan
- Record number of mountain stranding incidents
- 332 people died or went missing
- 1,480 people injured
- 246 foreign visitors stranded
- 203 foreign nationals engaged in backcountry sports
Tokyo recorded a historic peak in mountain rescue incidents in 2025, with 3,623 people stranded on mountains across the country—the highest number since comparable statistics began in 1961. According to data released Thursday by Japan's National Police Agency, the figure represents a significant increase from the previous year, with particularly alarming growth in foreign visitor incidents.
The stranded individuals included 246 foreign visitors, also an all-time high and an increase of 111 from 2024. Among foreign nationals assisted, 203—or 80 percent—were backcountry skiers or climbers. The total number of mountain-related incidents reached 3,122 cases, the second-highest on record. The human toll was substantial: 332 people died or went missing (up 32 from the previous year), and 1,480 were injured (up 90).
Demographic analysis reveals that people aged 60 and older accounted for 47.6 percent of those stranded, while 30.9 percent became lost after venturing into mountains. The data highlights an evolving challenge for rescue services, with increasing international participation in mountain activities alongside aging domestic demographics.
Geographically, Nagano prefecture in central Japan reported the highest number of stranded cases at 358, followed by Hokkaido with 199 and Yamanishi with 192. One notable development was a decline in incidents on Mt. Fuji, which fell below its five-year average, suggesting that rescue efforts and awareness campaigns may be having selective impact.
The surge in foreign visitor incidents, particularly among backcountry sports enthusiasts, points to expanding mountain tourism and adventure activities in Japan. The National Police Agency began tracking foreign tourist mountain incidents in 2018, making the steady year-on-year increases since then part of a broader trend in Japan's tourism landscape.
Why This Matters
Japan's mountain rescue crisis reflects a critical intersection of aging domestic demographics and surging international adventure tourism. With foreign backcountry sports participants increasing sharply year-over-year and seniors accounting for nearly half of all stranded individuals, rescue services face escalating operational demands. This data directly impacts resource allocation, insurance costs, and safety policy—signaling that Japan must strengthen cross-cultural rescue coordination and age-appropriate risk assessment to prevent further casualties in its mountain regions.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1961
WireStatistics on mountain stranding incidents in Japan begin
Jan 1, 2018
WireNational Police Agency begins tracking foreign tourist mountain incidents
Jan 1, 2024
WirePrevious year baseline for 2025 comparisons
Jan 1, 2025
WireRecord 3,623 people stranded on mountains in Japan
Jun 18, 2026
WireNational Police Agency releases 2025 mountain incident data