TOKYO, April 25 (UPI) -- A Japanese movement to add Mount Fuji to UNESCO's World Heritage List had its official inauguration in Tokyo Monday.
"Mount Fuji has always been a source of pride and an object of prayers," said former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, leader of the campaign, as he officially inaugurated the National Council on Mount Fuji World Heritage.
Mount Fuji, a conical volcano built up by layers of lava flow, has attracted the admiration of the Japanese people throughout history, inspiring many masterpieces of art, including Hokusai's Ukiyoe woodcuts.
While Japan has several sites certified on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the government has been reluctant to propose Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, due to its environmental problems.
But as significant improvement has been observed in environmental protection for the mountain, the council now aims to achieve the UNESCO status within several years.
