Since November 7, when the Kofu Regional Meteorological Observatory recorded the latest first snowfall in 130 years, Mount Fuji has fully donned its winter attire, spreading a blanket of silver down its slopes. Meanwhile, the base of the mountain is still in the height of autumn, with the vivid colors of autumn leaves standing out. Whether viewed from Tokyo’s Skytree, the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, or a passing Shinkansen, Mount Fuji exudes a majestic presence, inspiring awe and reverence with its unmatched beauty.
As we approach the end of the sixth year of the Reiwa era, a year that began with the large earthquake in the Noto Peninsula, there have been moments of both joy and sorrow. Yet, gazing upon Mount Fuji, one cannot help but feel a sense of reassurance and peace. This sentiment is not exclusive to us Japanese; it is a feeling shared by foreigners who visit Japan as well. Many of those who experience the essence of Japan recognize that Mount Fuji lies at the heart of the nation’s cultural identity.
Surely, the 21st century will be remembered as the century of Japan.

甲府地方気象台130年で最も遅い初冠雪を観測した11月７日から２週間余、富士山は白銀を裾野に広げすっかり冬化粧です。麓はまだ秋の真っ盛り。木々の紅葉が目立ちます。東京のスカイツリーから見る富士山、川口湖畔から見る富士山、新幹線から見る富士山、どこから見ても威風堂々、その美しさと相まって、ただひれ伏すばかりです。
能登半島の大地震で明けた令和６年も余す所もあとわずか。今年も悲喜こもごも、いろんなことがありましたが、富士山を見ればすべてが安堵に収れんします。この思いは私たち日本人だけでなく、日本を訪れた外国人達も一様に抱く思いのようです。和の国日本を体感した外国人達は、その原点がこの富士山にあることを気づく人も少なくありません。
21世紀はきっと日本の世紀になるに違いありません。