Blog
Fujiyama, Geisha, Sushi….., there are common words of image about “Japan” for westerners before Japan had become to industrial advanced country. Sometimes, Japanese people in 1960-70 got uncomfortable feeling by hearing that words from overseas people. Because Japan wanted to move to advanced country in the world.
However recent Japanese people is proud of Fujiyama, Geisha and Sushi as own traditional culture. Other times, other thinking. This is so interesting.
Fujiyama, this is Mt. Fuji which is the highest mountain (3776m) in Japan.
In this year 2013, Mt. Fuji and its related places got UNESCO world heritage status.
So many domestic travelers visited them (also climbing the mountain) for anniversary purpose and connecting hot topic in 2013. And it makes better economic effect to the places.
Mt. Fuji has so nice balanced conical figure, it keeps so long period (estimated about 10000 years). We can see many old pictures and woodblock print so called “Ukiyoe” print pictures in Edo period. Also the mountain is deeply connected with worship.
Mt. Fuji and its related places have cultural heritage for our historical reason.
However our Japanese people worry that the mountain is active volcano. Every 300 to 400 years, we got big eruption at the mountain. The last one was in 1707.
Therefore we are carefully monitoring the mountain by sensors, GPS and 24hours video camera. And the government continuous discuss for protecting against any damages and minimizing impact to our people’ s lives, social life and economy.
At least, Tokyo area will have volcano ash of 5 cm is estimated by volcano scientist.
Talk about my connection with Mt. Fuji, I am easily seeing the mountain from the home when it is fine weather. Because it is not far of distance. It needs only 1.5 to 2 hours driving between Tokyo & the base of Mt. Fuji.
And I climbed three times to the top of Mt. Fuji ( 2 times from the bottom). I frequently took photos around Mt. Fuji because good view points are existed.
For me, Mt. Fuji is so closer & familiar existence in the life.
View from my living place (Bunkyo Tokyo), Seeing Mt. Fuji & tower buildings in Shinjuku
Mt. Fuji has many expectations for culture and economy. Other hand, the mountain has potential risk due to natural way of the volcano.
Expectation and risk in the beauty, it gives an another meaning of attractive matter.
When you will come to Tokyo, I recommend you to try seeing the mountain. This is your start to knowing Japanese culture and mentality.
* The main photo on the 1st page of our web site has “Mt. Fuji”, actually. Can you see it?
All photos were took by Kenji Konishi