3 South Korean climbers found dead in Japan Alps

Oh no.. RIP. People usually die after a fall from some height in summer, as there danger of freezing is quite low. People usually forget how wild and disconnected from civilization the Japanese mountains can be.

People usually die after a fall from some height in summer, as there danger of freezing is quite low.

Most people die due to hypothermia, falls and trauma are very few and far between. The fact they were found on the paths suggests they died of exposure. The torrential rains at that attitude are deadly. RIP

Many Sunday hikers make the same mistake of underestimating the summer mountains and pay with their lives. Be prepared, go with the right attire never with just a T-shirt and shorts. A waterproof wind jacket will get you a long ways.

They should have arranged a local guide but they didn't due to expenses. You will have to pay for search and rescue if non-police are involved.

I'm still unconvinced mountaineering is the best sport for the elderly. Rest in Peace to these three - I guess they went out doing what they loved.

Sad. RIP. During my first climb up Mt Fuji, I thought I was prepared for the cold and rain, but my breathable parka(not Gortex brand) failed during a steady afternoon squall during the decent. I was still up high and already soaked to the bone, but still had my wits and was young enough to blast down at a good clip to a lower, warmer elevation. Luckily I took the Gotemba route. Long but runnable.

Most people die due to hypothermia

And then usually not in the coldest season.

RIP :(

They had suffered cardiopulmonary arrest, according to the police.

Yep, hypothermia will do that.

Watched this news on two different news programs today. The first one, around noon, made it very clear that these were Korean climbers. It was unpleasant to hear as the (running like a fool, they always have to run...) reporter really stresses how important it was for us to know these were Koreans and not Japanese. Weird vibes there.

Then, on NHK an interview with some local tourist official that suggested that since they were Koreans, perhaps they weren't used to Japanese mountains... As if the terrain is all that much different between the two countries. But Japan, always and forever must tell itself that it is special. And that outsiders have difficulties understanding the specialness that many hundreds of years of forced confinement shaped Japan into.

Ignorance FTW.

Knox,

They reported them as Koreans because they are Koreans.

@Knox Harrington: the news in every part of the world would have reported their nationality, it's normal.

Knox HarringtonJul. 30, 2013 - 09:26PM JST Then, on NHK an interview with some local tourist official that suggested that since they were Koreans, perhaps they >weren't used to Japanese mountains...

Do you really think that is not a fact? Are Korean climbers suppose to be fully familiar with all mountains in other countries?

As if the terrain is all that much different between the two countries. But Japan, always and forever must tell itself that >it is special. And that outsiders have difficulties understanding the specialness that many hundreds of years of forced >confinement shaped Japan into. Ignorance FTW.

Every mountain is different. Ones in foreign countries without familiarity require more caution. I agree with your last words but it pertains to your post. You're really stretching it trying to make an anti-J point out of an obvious tragic accident.

Knox

The terrain between Korea and Japan are different where the highest mountain in South Korea is below 2000 meters where as many mountain tops within the Chuo Alps are above 2500 meters and much steeper.

As members of a mountaineering club, i would have guessed that they were more aware of the dangers.