According to a report by Japan's Jiji Press on the 13th, Japan's National Police Agency announced that the number of people involved in mountain accidents nationwide reached 2,465 in 2012, an increase of 261 from 2011, setting a new record.
According to the National Police Agency, among those involved in mountain accidents last year, 249 died, 35 went missing, 927 were injured, and 1,254 were safely rescued. In terms of age, 75% of the victims were middle-aged and elderly people over 40, with those over 60 accounting for nearly half.
In response, the police agency said this was mainly because mountain climbing has become very popular among middle-aged and elderly people, who often do not realize their declining physical strength and plan hikes beyond their capabilities. In addition, misjudgment of weather conditions and insufficient equipment were also major causes of the accidents.