Continuing our series on Mount Fuji as a source of artistic inspiration, we now explore its portrayal in literature from the Kamakura (1185-1333) to Muromachi (1336-1573) periods. Unlike the Heian period, these eras saw fewer volcanic eruptions, resulting in less frequent mentions of Fuji’s volcanic activity in literature.
Key Works and Themes
The Tale of the Heike (Heike Monogatari)
This epic war tale, while not directly describing Mount Fuji, mentions the Battle of Fujikawa and stories related to Minamoto no Yoritomo, who had strong connections to the Fuji area.
The Mirror of the East (Azuma Kagami)
This historical chronicle details Minamoto no Yoritomo’s grand hunt (makigari) at the southern foot of Mount Fuji, showcasing his authority. It also describes his retainer Nitta Tadatsune exploring the Hitoana cave.
New Collection of Ancient and Modern Poems (Shin Kokin Wakashū)
This early Kamakura period anthology includes 10 poems about Mount Fuji. Notable examples include:
By Saigyō Hōshi:
“Like Fuji’s smoke drifting in the wind,
Vanishing in the sky,
My thoughts wander, directionless.”
By Minamoto no Yoritomo:
“On my journey, Fuji’s smoke
Was indistinguishable
In the perpetually cloudy sky.”
The Sixteenth Night Diary (Izayoi Nikki)
This travelogue by Abutsu-ni mentions Fuji’s smoke several times, noting “When I looked at Mount Fuji, no smoke was rising.”
Observations on Fuji’s Activity
Many works from this period mention Fuji’s smoke, despite no recorded eruptions. This could indicate either continuous fumarolic activity or writers drawing on earlier poetic imagery, mistaking clouds or mist for volcanic smoke.
The only confirmed eruption during this period is recorded in 1435 in the “Ōdaiki” chronicle by priests from Kai Province.
Noh Theater and Mount Fuji
The Muromachi period saw the development of Noh theater by Kan’ami and Zeami. Two notable Noh plays featuring Mount Fuji are:
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“Fujisan”: Based on legends of immortality seekers (possibly Xu Fu) and elements from “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”
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“Hagoromo”: Inspired by the legend of the celestial feather robe
Ashikaga Yoshinori’s Fuji Pilgrimage
While Minamoto no Yoritomo is the most famous shogun associated with Fuji, the 6th Ashikaga shogun, Yoshinori, also has a notable connection. In 1433, Yoshinori traveled to view Mount Fuji, an event recorded in several works like “Fuji Kikō” and “Ran Fuji Ki.” His journey included stops at scenic spots like Shiomizaka, Seiken-ji temple, and Miho no Matsubara, all of which are now part of Shizuoka Prefecture.
This period, while less volcanically active, saw Mount Fuji continue as a significant cultural and poetic symbol, inspiring works that would influence Japanese literature for centuries to come.
