West Michigan Man Missing On Japan's Mount Fuji
PORTAGE (WWJ/AP) - Japanese authorities say a search is under way on Mount Fuji for a 33-year-old western Michigan man who disappeared while visiting the 12,388-foot peak.
The Consulate General of Japan in Detroit said Wednesday that Matthew P. Johnson was last seen Friday, and his car was found parked at the mountain.
He works for Eaton Corporation and is described as an avid hiker and outdoorsman.
A statement from Eaton Corp. said Johnson worked in their vehicle business division, based near Kalamazoo. Johnson was "an engineer and has been employed since 2003. He departed on a business trip to Japan on January 8, 2012," said the statement.
The consulate said searchers have used a helicopter and ground crews, but bad weather has hampered the search. A renewed search is expected Thursday, weather permitting.
The consulate said the mountain near Tokyo is very popular in the summer but considered "extremely dangerous" in the winter.
TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
