Japan recorded a record 3,623 mountain rescue incidents in 2025, marking the highest annual total since comparable data began in 1961, according to newly released police figures.
Data from the National Police Agency showed that 3,122 rescue operations were conducted during the year, with 332 people reported dead or missing and 1,480 injured.
Foreign visitors accounted for a record 246 stranded individuals, while rescue cases involving overseas tourists climbed sharply to 174. More than 80% of affected foreign nationals were backcountry skiers or mountain climbers.
Older hikers were particularly vulnerable, with people aged 60 and above representing nearly half of all rescue cases. Getting lost remained the leading cause of mountain emergencies.
Among Japan's prefectures, Nagano Prefecture recorded the highest number of incidents, followed by Hokkaido and Yamanashi Prefecture.
Despite the nationwide increase, rescue incidents on Mount Fuji fell below the average recorded over the previous five years.
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