Michigan Man Missing on Japan’s Frigid Mount Fuji - East Idaho News
World

Michigan Man Missing on Japan’s Frigid Mount Fuji

  Published at

Getty W 011812 MtFujiJapan?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1326908175664TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images(TOKYO) — Japanese rescue teams searching Mount Fuji for a Michigan businessman have been hampered by deep snow and frigid temperatures.

Matt Johnson, 33, was in Japan on business, and reportedly left Saturday for an overnight backpacking trip to hike the country’s tallest mountain. Family members became concerned when he failed to show up for work in Japan on Monday. His car was found at the base of Mount Fuji.

According to media reports in Johnson’s hometown of Kalamazoo, Japanese crews have conducted helicopter and ground searches so far, without any luck. The Johnson family has said the initial search was hampered by heavy wind, heavy snow fall, and severe cold.

Back home, family and friends gathered at a church to pray for Johnson’s safe return.

At 12,000 feet, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain, but Johnson’s family says Matt is an experienced hiker, and would be prepared for the worst.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

SUBMIT A CORRECTION