Photo/Illutration The Hotaka mountain range in the Northern Japan Alps saw 29 climbing accidents this summer. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

This summer saw a record number of mountain-related accidents, with 808 incidents reported nationwide in July and August, an increase of 148 cases compared to the same period last year.

As many mishaps were the result of inadequate gear and poor planning, authorities are urging climbers to equip themselves properly and choose routes that match their experience levels.

The number of people involved in these accidents rose by 181 to a total of 917. This marks the highest figures since record-keeping began in 1968, according to a report released by the National Police Agency on Sept. 16.

Forty-eight climbers, the same as last year's figure, were confirmed dead and six remain missing, two more than in 2024. 

A total of 409 people sustained injuries, an increase of 84 individuals compared to last year.

Most incidents occurred when hikers either fell or became lost.

Mount Fuji topped the list of locations where accidents occurred with 34 cases reported. It was followed by destinations in the Northern Japan Alps: Mount Tateyama with 31 incidents and the Hotaka mountain range with 29.

By prefecture, Nagano saw the highest number of cases at 143, followed by Toyama with 90 and Yamanashi with 51.

Around 70 percent of all victims had not submitted a climbing plan, which is typically required by local authorities.

Authorities also noted that many climbers were poorly equipped or chose overly ambitious routes without regard for their fitness or experience.

Meanwhile, water-related accidents during the same period dropped to 446 cases, a decrease of 42 from last year. The number of people involved decreased by 66 to 535.

A total of 235 deaths and six missing persons were reported. More than 20 percent of these fatal or missing cases occurred while fishing. Other incidents involved swimming or recreational activities in the water.

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