The Mount Fuji in Japan has seen its first snowfall after going through the longest period without snow in 130 years.
The snow fell on Japan’s highest peak about a month later than expected, as the country recovers from one of its hottest summers.
Celebration and Expectation
The news was well received, and locals celebrated and shared photos of the snow-covered peak. The Shizuoka branch of the Japan Meteorological Agency spotted snow on Wednesday, November 6.
When photos of the snow-covered peak circulated, an X user commented: “Oh, I was waiting for this.” Another wrote: “I’ve never been so excited about this year’s first snowfall.”
The meteorological agency office in Kofu officially confirmed on Thursday the presence of snow on the top of Mount Fuji, as clouds obstructed the view of the summit on Wednesday.
Climatic Context
According to AFP news agency, this is the latest sighting since 2023, when snow was first seen at the summit on October 5. The previous record had been set on October 26 twice: in 1955 and 2016.
With temperatures between June and August 1.76°C higher than average, Japan had its hottest recorded summer. The warmer than usual weather continued into September.
Importance of Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo, rises to 3,776 meters and is visible from the capital on a clear day. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan and has inspired centuries of artwork. Its last eruption occurred just over 300 years ago.
The slope of Mount Fuji is filled with Buddhist shrines, torii gates, and other elements of Japanese culture. In ancient times, samurais would conduct their training at the foot of Mount Fuji to harness the strength emanating from this sacred mountain.
While it is difficult to directly attribute the delay in snowfall on Mount Fuji to climate change, it is in line with what experts predict in a warming world.
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