Exhibition "Mt. Fuji - Faith and Art" in September-November

Japanese people have some kind of sense of faith in Mt. Fujji, the highest peak in Japan and the symbol of the Japanese spirit. To the people of Japan, Mt. Fuji signifies something more the Statue of Liberty for the Americans or the Arch of Triumph for the Frenchmen, for it has certain religious connotation so subtly embodied in its being that a mere glance from distance fills you with a sense of respect, admiration, trust - all in one.

That said, the prefectures of Yamanashi and Shizuoka, the home of Mt. Fuji, are planning a memorable exhibition of cultural properties related to Mt. Fuji at the prefectural art museums, September 5 through November 30, 2015 (Sizuoka: September 5 - October 12, Yamanashi: October 24 - November 30). Visitors from abroad planning to visit Japan at this time are lucky to appreciate firsthand some of the rarest exhibits associated with Mt. Fuji.

The exhibition this time is captioned "Faith and Arts" meaning the exhibits are primarily those portraying the mountain in religious and artistic contexts.

Among the exhibits are Seated statue of Dainichi Buddha (Mahavairocana) of Murayama Sengen Shrine/Kouhouji Temple, Folding screen "Mt. Fuji Pinery of Miho", Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji, Hokusai Katsushika : Gaifu Kaisei", Map of Japan from World Map Folding Screen, etc.

Particularly noteworthy is Hokusai's "Views of Mt. Fuji" which can be best appreciated from the point of view of the sense of faith associated with Mt. Fuji. The exhibition demonstrates how not a few artistic masterpieces were conceived with Mt. Fuji as a driving force of energy.

The exhibition travels in part to and from the two prefectures. Admissions are 1000 yen for adults, 500 yen for college students; elementary school pupils and junior/senior high school students are admission free. The elders over 65 resident in both prefectures and the disabled and their helpers are also admission free.