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Why is Mt Fuji called Fujisan?

Have you ever wondered why Mt Fuji is referred to as Fujisan, or literally Mr Fuji in Japanese culture and language?
Last updated Dec 30, 2023

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why Mt Fuji is referred to as Fujisan, or literally Mr Fuji? If you’re familiar with the honorific way of addressing people in Japan, you’ll know that they add a “san” to the end of a name.

The name “Fuji-san” is a common way to refer to Mount Fuji in Japan. In Japanese, “Fuji” is written as 富士, and “san” is how the kanji character 山 (yama) is pronounced (on’yomi), which translates to “mountain.” So, “Fuji-san” essentially means “Mount Fuji.”

So, the “san” sound is Fujisan is not the same as the honorific word attached to people’s names.

The use of “san” when referring to mountains is a common practice in Japanese. It’s a way of showing respect or reverence to the natural feature. In many cultures, mountains are often considered sacred or revered, and attaching “san” to the name is a way of acknowledging this.

Photo by Juliana Barquero on Unsplash
Why is Mt Fuji called Fujisan? Photo by Juliana Barquero on Unsplash

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and has been a symbol of the country for centuries. It holds cultural and spiritual significance and is often depicted in traditional Japanese art and literature. The name “Fujisan” reflects the cultural and linguistic traditions of Japan in showing respect for this iconic mountain. And that’s why Mt Fuji is called Fujisan!

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to witness the majesty of this legendary peak, here are the five best places to see Mount Fuji, complete with details on how to get there, the ideal times of year to visit, and what makes each location unique. And finally, here are 10 Amazing Facts About Mount Fuji.

Read more:

The Contemporary Mount Fuji Art Print Set by The Art of Zen
The Contemporary Mount Fuji Art Print Set by The Art of Zen

At the Art of Zen we have a wide selection of original Japanese art prints in the ukiyo-e and Japandi style. Some of our best selling work is Mount Fuji art and Japandi wall art.

Add some zen art to your space with some art from the Art of Zen shop.

Featured image of Mount Fuji by Max Bender on Unsplash.

Salman A

Salman A

Based in the vibrant city of Dubai, I thrive as a designer and filmmaker with a passion sparked in childhood by the thrilling adventures of UFO Robot Grendizer and Speed Racer. My journey took a deeper dive into the world of art through a profound fascination with Japanese culture, enriched by memorable times spent in Japan. Creativity pulses at the core of who I am. Connect with me for tailor-made design and film projects that bring your visions to life.

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