How did Mount Fuji become a national symbol of Japan? During which period did this process occur?

Okay, let's talk about Mount Fuji.

When people think of Japan, the first image that often comes to mind is that snow-capped, perfectly shaped volcano, Mount Fuji. It didn't become a national symbol overnight or by some sudden government decree. Instead, it was a process "cultivated" over a millennium, shaped by religion, art, and popular culture.

When Did Mount Fuji Become a National Symbol? — A Long Process of "Cultivation"

Simply put, the pivotal period when Mount Fuji truly became a widely recognized and deeply ingrained symbol was during the Edo period (1603-1868). However, its "divine status" and cultural importance began much earlier.

Think of this process like the rise of a celebrity:

Ancient/Heian Period (Approx. 8th-12th century): Rising to Prominence
- During this time, Mount Fuji was primarily revered as a powerful natural force. Ancient people, witnessing its eruptions and quiet majesty, believed it was inhabited by deities. The earliest poetry anthology, Man'yōshū, contains verses praising Fuji's grandeur. Back then, it was seen by the aristocracy and literati as "magnificent scenery" and a "sacred mountain," but remained distant from ordinary people.
Kamakura/Muromachi Period (Approx. 12th-16th century): Building a Following
- With the development of Buddhism and the indigenous mountain ascetic practice Shugendō, Mount Fuji became a significant site for spiritual training. Monks and ascetics began climbing it, viewing it as a sacred gateway to the realm of Buddhas and deities. Fuji's status within the religious sphere greatly increased during this era. It started appearing in ink wash paintings, its image becoming more concrete.
Edo Period (1603-1868): Exploding in Popularity, Becoming a National Icon
- These 200-plus years were crucial for Mount Fuji's ascent to iconic status. Why?
  1. Peace & Transportation: Under Tokugawa shogunate rule, Japan was stable. People's living standards improved, and domestic travel flourished. The Tōkaidō, the main road connecting Edo (modern Tokyo) and Kyoto, was exceptionally busy, offering travelers stunning views of Mount Fuji along the way.
  2. The Popularity of "Fujikō": Grassroots organizations called "Fujikō" emerged—groups devoted to the worship of Mount Fuji. They regularly organized pilgrimages for members to climb the mountain. This made Fuji accessible and venerable not just for ascetics, but for ordinary people too.
  3. Peak Dissemination through Art—Ukiyo-e: This was the most crucial factor! Artist Katsushika Hokusai created his Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, and Utagawa Hiroshige depicted Fuji in many of his landscapes. These affordable woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) acted like posters and postcards do today. Mass-produced, they spread throughout Japan. In these prints, Fuji appeared as a backdrop to farmers tilling fields or fishermen setting sail, becoming integrated into everyday life. It was through ukiyo-e that the image of Mount Fuji became firmly etched in the minds of all Japanese people.
Meiji Era to Present (1868-Present): Official Recognition, Going Global
- Entering the modern era, Japan established itself as a nation-state. The government needed a symbol representing the spirit of the entire nation. Mount Fuji, with its imposing beauty and enduring presence, was chosen. It was printed on banknotes and stamps, featured in textbooks, officially elevated from a "cultural icon" to a "national symbol." As Japan's international engagement grew, this symbol also went global.

How Did Mount Fuji Become a National Symbol? — The Perfect Combination of Factors

Understanding the timeline, let's now examine the specific factors that made it stand out.

Natural Perfection: A Unique and Ideal Form
- Simply put, it's exceptionally beautiful. Mount Fuji possesses a near-perfect conical shape, capped with snow, elegant yet solemn. Unlike other mountain ranges, it stands majestically isolated on a plain, making it highly distinctive and instantly recognizable.
Empowered by Religion: From Sacred Mountain to Site of Ascetic Practice
- Originally, as a volcano and a fearsome force of nature, it was revered as deity. In Shinto, it's the dwelling of the goddess Konohanasakuya-hime. Later, Buddhists and ascetics saw it as a sacred site. This inherent sanctity added profound cultural depth.
Dissemination through Art and Literature: Embedding the Image Deeply
- Throughout history, countless poems and paintings depicted Mount Fuji. Particularly influential were Edo-period ukiyo-e prints, which showcased Fuji's beauty across seasons, perspectives, and ordinary life scenes in an accessible way. Art made the image of Fuji ubiquitous.
Intimate Connection with Everyday Life
- Edo-period transportation and travel made Mount Fuji an accessible reality, not a distant legend. Traveling merchants and pilgrimaging devotees alike could see it firsthand. It became a shared memory and topic of conversation. Even from Tokyo, Fuji is visible on clear days—a familiar companion, always present.

Summing Up

Mount Fuji's status as Japan's symbol is no accident.

First, it possessed a uniquely perfect form (its unparalleled beauty). Then, it gained sacred religious significance (its deeper meaning). Subsequently, during the Edo period, ukiyo-e art and mass travel (promotion and popularization) embedded its image into the hearts of ordinary people. Finally, the nation's will (official recognition) formally established it as Japan's emblem in the modern era.

It represents a classic evolution: from natural object of worship, to religious sanctuary, to artistic subject, ultimately ascending to become a symbol of national spirit. It's a cultural icon shaped both from the top down (aristocracy, literati) and the bottom up (common people).