Dense Smoke and Firelight Under Mount Fuji Not a Fire: 'Controlled Burning' for Ecosystem Protection, a Thousand-Year Tradition
Large-scale controlled burning operations will be carried out around Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, specifically in Fujiyoshida City and Yamanakako Village. This is not a fire but a traditional activity to protect the landscape and ecosystem of the Fuji foothills. The controlled burning helps inhibit tree growth, promote new shoots, reduce pests, and mitigate the risk of forest fires. This practice, known as 'Noyaki,' has been passed down for over a thousand years, embodying a philosophy of 'coexistence between humans and nature' through moderate human intervention to maintain ecological balance.
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- 📰 Published: April 12, 2026 at 14:28
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Japanese authorities announced that large-scale controlled burning operations will be carried out in the North Fuji Training Area in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and around Mount Myojin in Yamanakako Village. Dense smoke or firelight may be visible from a distance, but this is not a fire, and nearby residents and tourists are advised not to panic.
On April 15th, controlled burning will also be implemented around Mount Myojin in Yamanakako Village, during which hiking trails and other facilities will be restricted.
Japanese authorities stated that "controlled burning" during this period is an important task for protecting the landscape and ecosystem of the Fuji foothills. Due to the large amount of smoke produced, people often mistakenly report it as "a fire in the Fujiyoshida area" in the past.
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Japan's "controlled burning" (Noyaki) is a tradition passed down for a thousand years. The most famous locations include Mount Wakakusa in Nara, Mount Aso, and this time, the North Fuji Training Area. This is a Japanese tradition of "coexistence between humans and nature," where appropriate human intervention leads to longer-term ecological balance and beautiful landscapes.
Japan has a humid climate, and if the land is left to grow naturally, grasslands would quickly be overgrown with shrubs, eventually forming dense forest belts. Many rare flowers and plants can only survive in sunny, short grasslands. Controlled burning inhibits tree growth and preserves grassland ecosystems.
Controlled burning usually takes place in early spring (March to April), when vegetation is withered and dry. Burning off old, dry grass allows sunlight to directly reach the ground, helping new shoots grow smoothly in spring. The ash from controlled burning is rich in minerals, making it an excellent natural fertilizer that helps the next season's grass grow more vigorously.
In addition, dry grass piles often harbor overwintering pests or eggs. High-temperature burning can significantly reduce the risk of cattle and sheep contracting parasites during summer grazing and also reduce crop diseases and pests. Furthermore, if dry grass piles are not cleared, a forest fire during the dry season could easily get out of control due to the heavy accumulation of flammable material. Planned burning can remove these flammable materials. (Edited by Chen Yi-wei) 1150412
On April 15th, controlled burning will also be implemented around Mount Myojin in Yamanakako Village, during which hiking trails and other facilities will be restricted.
Japanese authorities stated that "controlled burning" during this period is an important task for protecting the landscape and ecosystem of the Fuji foothills. Due to the large amount of smoke produced, people often mistakenly report it as "a fire in the Fujiyoshida area" in the past.
View on Threads
Japan's "controlled burning" (Noyaki) is a tradition passed down for a thousand years. The most famous locations include Mount Wakakusa in Nara, Mount Aso, and this time, the North Fuji Training Area. This is a Japanese tradition of "coexistence between humans and nature," where appropriate human intervention leads to longer-term ecological balance and beautiful landscapes.
Japan has a humid climate, and if the land is left to grow naturally, grasslands would quickly be overgrown with shrubs, eventually forming dense forest belts. Many rare flowers and plants can only survive in sunny, short grasslands. Controlled burning inhibits tree growth and preserves grassland ecosystems.
Controlled burning usually takes place in early spring (March to April), when vegetation is withered and dry. Burning off old, dry grass allows sunlight to directly reach the ground, helping new shoots grow smoothly in spring. The ash from controlled burning is rich in minerals, making it an excellent natural fertilizer that helps the next season's grass grow more vigorously.
In addition, dry grass piles often harbor overwintering pests or eggs. High-temperature burning can significantly reduce the risk of cattle and sheep contracting parasites during summer grazing and also reduce crop diseases and pests. Furthermore, if dry grass piles are not cleared, a forest fire during the dry season could easily get out of control due to the heavy accumulation of flammable material. Planned burning can remove these flammable materials. (Edited by Chen Yi-wei) 1150412