In our ongoing series exploring Mount Fuji as a source of artistic inspiration, we now turn to the Edo period (1603-1867). This era saw a diversification in literary forms featuring Mount Fuji, including Chinese-style poetry, vernacular tales, haikai poetry, travel literature, comic books, and narratives.
Chinese-Style Poetry (Kanshi)
While waka poetry had long celebrated Fuji, Chinese-style poetry gained popularity during the Edo period, especially after the establishment of the Tōkaidō road.
Notable poets include:
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Ishikawa Jōzan (1583-1672): A former warrior turned literati, Jōzan’s poem “Mount Fuji” vividly describes the mountain’s peak as a place where immortals might visit, with dragons dwelling in its caves.
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Hayashi Razan (1583-1657): A prominent Neo-Confucian scholar, Razan’s travel writings often included poems about famous places. His “Mount Fuji” poem praises the mountain’s beauty as seen from the eastern sea, comparing its snow and clouds to silk and brocade.
These Chinese-style poems tend to focus more on natural beauty rather than romantic themes common in waka.
Vernacular Tales (Kana-zōshi)
Early Edo-period stories written in kana or mixed kana-kanji script often featured Mount Fuji. Notable works include:
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“Chikusai”: A comic travelogue about a quack doctor’s journey from Kyoto to Edo, describing Fuji and the Sengen deity.
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“Tōkaidō Meisho Ki”: A guidebook-style narrative detailing famous sites from Edo to Uji, including Fuji-related legends and a unique version of the Kaguya-hime story.
Haikai Poetry
Haikai, which flourished in the Edo period, saw many master poets compose about Mount Fuji:
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Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694): The haiku master wrote about Fuji in various works, including “Nozarashi Kikō” and “Oku no Hosomichi.” One of his last haiku before death mentions seeing Fuji in May.
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Yosa Buson (1716-1784): Though not prolific in Fuji-themed haiku, Buson’s famous verse describes Fuji standing alone amidst new greenery.
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Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828): Known for his accessible style, Issa composed numerous haiku about Fuji, including his famous snail series inspired by the Asakusa Fuji mound.
Other Notable Works
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“Kanadehon Chūshingura”: This famous puppet play and kabuki drama features scenes with views of Fuji from Satta Pass, Tago no Ura, and Miho no Matsubara.
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Travel diaries by female authors like Inoue Tsūjo’s “Kika Nikki” and Suzuki Takejo’s “Kōshi Michi no Ki” describe views of Fuji from the Fuji-Numazu area.
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Scholars of National Learning (Kokugaku) like Kamo no Mabuchi and Motoori Norinaga also composed poems about Mount Fuji.
Conclusion
The Edo period marked a significant shift in how Mount Fuji was perceived and represented in literature. With the popularization of Fuji pilgrimages and the establishment of the Tōkaidō road, more people than ever could see the mountain firsthand. This increased accessibility is reflected in the diverse literary works of the time, capturing Fuji’s majesty and beauty from various perspectives and in different styles.
The literature of this era not only preserves descriptions and impressions of Mount Fuji but also hints at the profound impact the mountain had on the countless travelers who encountered its awe-inspiring presence along their journeys.
