Terry Ito Column Vol.15 2024, the era of Happy Mount Fuji!

The other day, while driving on the Kan'etsu Expressway toward Karuizawa near Omiya in Saitama Prefecture, the astonishingly large Mount Fuji suddenly appeared before my eyes. I had no idea Mount Fuji looked so big, just an hour's drive northwest of Tokyo, away from the crowds! Its majestic appearance, distinct from the mountains of Chichibu, and its snow-covered appearance are truly beautiful. Even though I was heading for Mount Asama, it was a delightful encounter. Suddenly encountering Mount Fuji while traveling gives me energy. It even makes me want to sing. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to take a photo with my smartphone! Living in a city with a view of Mount Fuji may be a Japanese dream.

So I did some research. How far away can you see Mount Fuji from a city? Incidentally, the furthest place from which you can see it is said to be Irokawa Fujimi Pass in Wakayama Prefecture. It's a whopping 322 kilometers from Mount Fuji. Apparently, it can be seen from as far north as Kitagun, Fukushima Prefecture, as far south as Hachijojima in Tokyo, and as far south as the Port Tower in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture. In winter, it's apparently visible from the Chuo Line over Tanzawa, Okutama, and Chichibu. It makes me want to see it from all over Japan! Sadly, I've never summited Mount Fuji, but it seems like I could still tour the scenic spots around it. I'd love to experience again the refreshing feeling and elation I felt when I saw it up close in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Mount Fuji is truly magnificent! No matter how times change, it always enriches people's hearts. It accepts both joy and sorrow. I wonder what travelers along the Tokaido road in the Edo period thought as they gazed upon Mount Fuji... Just thinking about it makes me happy.

I have a goal for 2024! "Travel to a town with a view of Mt. Fuji." I could stay at an inn with a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, take a day trip, or enjoy a hot spring with a spectacular view. Shizuoka and Yamanashi have many specialty products that take advantage of Mt. Fuji, so I'd like to buy some as souvenirs. The Mt. Fuji-shaped omelet rice I had the other day was a bit disappointing, but there are also snowmelt spring mineral waters, puddings and teacups shaped like Mt. Fuji, etc. The lavender-scented Fujiyama soap I saw at Lake Kawaguchi caught my eye.

I've digressed, but the fact remains that we all love Mt. Fuji. The impressive sight of "New Year's Mt. Fuji" that appears on TV during the Hakone Ekiden Marathon broadcast over the New Year period makes me forget about the runners for a moment and stare at the screen. I've decided! I'll start from Nihonbashi, as expected, and head to Hakone Hachiri by car.

Waking up early in the bitterly cold winter to see Mount Fuji is a beautiful and divine sight. You'll no doubt feel like you've been blessed with good fortune this year. Even in Shonan Hayama, close to Tokyo, you can see a breathtakingly beautiful view of Mount Fuji, bathed in the setting sun and backed by Enoshima. Everyone, grab a map and enjoy exploring Mount Fuji!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry