Hello, this is Interpreter Takezawa!
Today, we’ll delve into the fascinating legends surrounding Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic mountain. Rather than just learning, we aim to appreciate how these stories make Fuji feel more familiar and endearing.
1. The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter’s Daughter (Kaguya-hime)
This ancient Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter’s Daughter, tells the story of a girl named Kaguya-hime, found in a bamboo stalk and raised by an elderly couple. She grows into a beautiful woman, attracting suitors from nobles and even the emperor. However, she returns to the moon at the end.
In the story, the emperor burns the elixir of immortality given by Kaguya-hime on a mountain in Suruga Province. This mountain is said to be Mount Fuji, which was named “Fushi-no-yama” (士富の山), meaning “the mountain where warriors are enriched” or “the mountain of immortality.” The smoke from this burning is described as still lingering in the clouds, which aligns with Fuji’s frequent eruptions during the Heian Period, when the story was written.
Interestingly, a local legend in Fuji City claims that Kaguya-hime returned to Mount Fuji instead of the moon. There’s even a Bamboo Park inspired by this tale.
2. The Feathered Robe Legend (Hagoromo Densetsu)
Similar to Kaguya-hime, this legend tells the story of a heavenly maiden who returns to heaven wearing her feathered robe. A version of this story is told at Miho no Matsubara, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most distant locations from Mount Fuji.
3. The Mountain Comparison Legends
Various stories exist where Mount Fuji is compared to other mountains in a contest of height.
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The Three Sisters of Izu: A tale from the Izu region about the comparison between Mount Fuji, Mount Izu, and Mount Hachijo.
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Fuji vs. Yatsugatake: A story where Mount Fuji, angry and possibly erupting, breaks the summit of Yatsugatake.
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Hakusan vs. Fuji: A comparison between Hakusan in Kaga and Mount Fuji.
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Fuji vs. Tsukuba: A story pitting Japan’s highest mountain against its lowest among the 100 Famous Mountains, Tsukuba. (These two mountains were also compared in the Hitachi Fudoki, where Fuji first appeared in written records.)
All these stories end with Mount Fuji being the tallest.
4. The Legend of Lake Biwa and Mount Fuji
A myth tells of gods discussing the creation of Japan. They decided to create the highest mountain in Suruga Province (Mount Fuji) and the largest lake in Omi Province (Lake Biwa). The god Daidarabocchi was tasked with digging the earth for Biwa and transporting it to Fuji. However, he dropped the last load, which is why Fuji’s summit appears flat.
This legend led to a “husband-and-wife city” partnership between Fujinomiya City (near Fuji) and Omihachiman City (near Biwa). They hold an annual event called Mizu Kaeshi, where water from Fuji’s summit is poured into Lake Biwa.
5. The Legend of Xu Fu and Mount Fuji
In ancient China, during the Qin dynasty, the alchemist Xu Fu was sent by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to find the elixir of immortality on the mythical Mount Penglai. Xu Fu never returned to China but is said to have traveled to Japan, with Mount Fuji being the mountain he sought.
Some legends claim that Xu Fu settled in Japan with his followers, calling themselves the “Hata” clan. The story is fascinating, especially since Mount Fuji is home to the Cranberry (コケモモ), sometimes referred to as a “longevity fruit.”
Conclusion
Mount Fuji is woven into many legends, from Kaguya-hime to Xu Fu. These stories not only enrich Fuji’s mystique but also highlight its cultural significance across Japan and beyond.
Stay tuned for more tales of Fuji and its enchanting legends! 🌿🗻
Additional Legends:
Other stories include those of Prince Shotoku and the cherry blossom princess, each adding to the rich tapestry of Fuji’s folklore. We look forward to sharing more of these captivating tales in the future!
