［10th anniversary of Mt. Fuji's registration as a World Heritage］ SiteScenes of Mt. Fuji Today （Photo by Makoto Hashimuki）
Forever unchanging, Mt. Fuji represents the soul of the Japanese people. In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Mt. Fuji's registration as a World Heritage Site, we continue to celebrate its majestic form as a sacred peak captured by noted photographer Makoto Hashimuki. At the same time, we interviewed folklorist Noritake Kanzaki as to why Mt. Fuji provokes such special feelings. （An excerpt from the September issue of Hitotoki’s recent article )
How Japanese people feel about Mt. Fuji
Explanation by Noritake Kanzaki, folklorist
Since antiquity, the Japanese have worshipped mountains, especially those of extraordinary appearance, which they believe are the dwelling places of gods. It is said that Mt. Fuji is the most representative of this type of mountain, though it is also feared due to its occasional eruptions.
Shrines were built in the surrounding areas so that people could worship Mt. Fuji from a distance without having to climb it. Volcanic activity subsided following the late Heian period （AD 794-1185）, and subsequently Mt. Fuji became an exclusive kind of seminary for Mountain ascetics, who would climb it to honor the gods and spirits of the dead. Travel became more accessible for the common people during the Edo period （1603-1867）, and many would climb Mt. Fuji to visit its shrines. This practice led to the general feeling that Mt. Fuji symbolized Japan, since it was so often depicted in prints.
The purpose of climbing Mt. Fuji has changed over the years, but reverence for the highest, most beautiful peak in the country, and the belief that by climbing it one will absorb its energy will always have a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people.
The banks of Lake Shoji in winter
This photo was taken early one winter morning at Lake Shoji, one of the five lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji. Hashimuki, who started photographing Mt. Fuji after it was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2013, says, "It's been ten years since I was first mesmerized by the mysterious environment around Mt. Fuji, whose divine spirit never fails to move me."
Cap cloud taken from Asagiri Highland
Clouds are one of the essential elements in Hashimuki's work. "When the tranquility of Mt. Fuji is supplemented by a cloud's dynamic dimension, it creates something new and unique," says the photographer. "Sometimes the scene before me is so overwhelming my hands tremble, but I must capture that miraculous moment. The clouds are always changing, so I have to say to the mountain, 'Wait a bit while I take a picture.' Yes, to me Mt. Fuji is a living thing."
Fujihoncho shopping arcade
A sea of clouds under the Milky Way taken from Shindo Pass
The stars of the Milky Way descending on Mt. Fuji in the spring. "Thanks to a sea of clouds blocking the light from the city below, the beautiful Milky Way could be seen clearly," says Hashimuki. "This is a miracle shot that I could capture through a combination of experience, intuition, and luck. It was worth waiting at the pass for six hours. I'm happy to be able to share my excitement with so many people through my photography."
Photo by Makoto Hashimuki
▼If you would like to read more this article, please get here! You can look at the other beautiful photographs of Mt. Fuji.
Makoto Hashimuki
Photographer of Mt. Fuji. Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1977. From his hometown of Shizuoka City, he connects to the world via social media to promote the appeal of Mt. Fuji. His photo book "Shinki Shin - Views of Mt.Fuji" （Impress） is now on sale.
Twitter @MakotoHashimuki
Instagram @hashimuki
HP https://hashimukimakoto.saloon.jp/
Noritake Kanzaki
Folklorist. Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1944. Studied under Tsuneichi Miyamoto, a renowned authority on folklore, at Musashino Art University, specializing in ceramics, culinary culture, and tourism. Also, head priest of the Usahachiman Shrine in Okayama Prefecture.
出典：ひととき2023年9月号
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