MAKING OFF
More than two years of my life have been dedicated to Fujisan. Countless hours of driving and hiking, searching for locations and stories to tell. Fujisan is elusive, especially in summer when it only reveals itself early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This mountain loves to hide behind a curtain of clouds, showing itself only to those who know how to wait. In winter, it is extremely cold and nearly impossible to climb, while in summer, the crowds transform it into something resembling an amusement park. Fujisan has many faces, and it takes time to discover them all.
I have reached the summit many times. I remember being attacked by a crazy Doberman at the very top of Kengamine—only its master saved me from the beast. I also remember Saito-san, a 75-year-old Japanese man I encountered on multiple occasions, always making his way to the summit. And I fondly recall Soleil, a beautiful Japanese mountain guide I met twice at the same spot along the Fujinomiya trail. She generously offered me sunscreen and saved my face from painful sunburn. Thank you, Soleil!
Fujisan ga aru kara is my personal journey—two years of devotion to this cosmic mountain. It is the sweat of the climb and the moments of doubt when choosing between two photos with only one last shot left. It is also the cherished memories I shared with my friends and my wife when we climbed together in October 2024.
Every time I reach the summit, I cry—tears of joy, of course. When I am there, I feel truly happy and deeply grateful for all that life has given me. Thank you, Fujisan!
