Dhaka, July 8 -- Japanese authorities have launched a study to improve the safety of foreign tourists in the event of an eruption of Mt. Fuji or a major earthquake, highlighting growing concerns over emergency preparedness at one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

The initiative was announced a day after the start of this year's climbing season for Mt. Fuji, when large numbers of domestic and international visitors began making their way up the iconic mountain.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013, Mt. Fuji attracts hundreds of thousands of climbers each year during its official hiking season. Two of its four main trails opened at the beginning of July, while the remaining two are scheduled to ope...