
Exploring Mount Fuji My Japanese Friends: A Journey Beyond Snow
By Ali Syarief
When my Japanese friends decided to visit Mount Fuji, it was clear their purpose wasn’t the usual adventure of conquering its snow-laden peaks. Nor were they seeking to shiver in the icy air atop the mountain. Instead, they were embarking on a journey to warm their minds with something far more profound: the philosophy of “be natural, be positive, and be curious.”
Mount Fuji, an iconic symbol of Japan, stands not only as a natural marvel but also as a cultural beacon. For my friends, this visit was more than a sightseeing trip; it was an opportunity to embrace the richness of multicultural experiences. They were stepping into a space where curiosity becomes a tool to peel back the layers of a world that grows increasingly transparent—a world where boundaries blur and cultures intermingle.
Breaking the Ice of Stereotypes
In our multilingual discussions at the base of Mount Fuji, a recurring theme was the importance of understanding perspectives beyond one’s own. My friends marveled at the stories etched into the mountain’s history—stories of Shinto pilgrims, artists seeking inspiration, and adventurers from around the globe. This melting pot of histories and experiences exemplified the power of cultural exchange.
Their openness to “be natural” reminded me of the simplicity in appreciating what is, rather than imposing what should be. “Be positive” underscored their mindset of finding beauty and connection even in differences, and “be curious” drove their desire to question, learn, and explore without judgment.

The Multilingual Mindset
Being multilingual is more than speaking different languages; it is a way of life. It’s the art of navigating between worlds, bridging divides, and embracing diversity. For my Japanese friends, this mindset transformed their experience at Mount Fuji. They weren’t just tourists; they were explorers of culture, collectors of ideas, and participants in a global dialogue.
They ventured beyond the typical narratives associated with Mount Fuji and Japan, engaging in conversations with locals, experimenting with new cuisines, and even attempting to learn a few words in other visitors’ native languages. This openness to cultural fluidity not only enriched their understanding of the world but also deepened their connection to it.
Lessons from the Mountain
As we stood together gazing at Mount Fuji, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty of their approach. The mountain, steadfast and timeless, seemed to echo their philosophy. Its slopes and peaks symbolized life’s challenges, its serene beauty mirrored the rewards of a curious and positive outlook, and its universal allure reflected the shared human experience.
In this visit, my friends taught me that to be multilingual is not just about knowing words from different languages; it is about understanding the unspoken truths of humanity. It is about finding warmth in cold places, discovering lessons in the unfamiliar, and realizing that the world’s diversity is its greatest treasure.
As the snow began to fall lightly around us, we weren’t cold. Our hearts and minds were warmed by the connections we’d forged and the horizons we’d expanded. This was the true spirit of being multilingual: being open, being present, and being a part of something greater than ourselves.