When Sotaku Konishi, the second head of the Konishi family, was transporting 'sake' (rice wine) barrels to 'Edo' (Tokyo: the capital of Japan during the 'Edo period')' around 1635, he passed by Mt. Fuji. He was deeply touched by the nobleness of the mountain with its beautiful snow-capped peak, and decided to name the Konishi's 'sake,' 'SHIRAYUKI' (white snow). Since then, the successive heads of the Konishi family have taken pride in the origin of the brand name 'SHIRAYUKI,' guarded the name jealously, and attached special importance to Mt. Fuji.

Since my inauguration as the 14th Shin-uemon Konishi, I have also been attracted by the immeasurable beauty of the majestic Mt. Fuji displaying its different appearances, sometimes gallantly and other times gracefully. In 1991 when I assumed the position as Chairman of the company, I dropped by Mt. Fuji upon my return home from a business trip. I visited Oshino Mura, a village situated at the foot of the mountain. From the Nijumagari Ridge, I saw Mt. Fuji rising up from a sea of clouds. It was so impressive that I immediately took a photo. Indeed, it was just by a happy chance that I became interested in photographing Mt. Fuji. Over the 440 years since the establishment of our business, we have had a close association with the majestic Fuji. My late wife also loved Mt. Fuji. Thus, I have continually photographed the mountain whenever I have had the occasion to do so.

While Mt. Fuji always stands there in perfect calmness, its appearance is kaleidoscopic due to the gathering clouds or sun beams. People also see it differently, as demonstrated with the infinite variety of photos, films and paintings. It never appears the same. It always impresses people deeply. Indeed, Mt. Fuji is mysterious.

Every time I view the mountain, it gives me a golden opportunity to release the shutter. One early morning in June when beautiful lupines were bloom in, I saw the mountain covered with the fresh snow of the previous night. It was unusual to see it snowing in June. Fuji divinely glittered in the sun. On another occasion, at the break of day, I saw Mt. Fuji in the morning dawn against a rosy, glowing sky.

Remembering the passion for Mt. Fuji of the successive heads of the Konishi family, I have tried my best to represent the mountain's messages in photographs. I truly feel that I have special ties with the majestic Mt. Fuji.

This year, we celebrate the 445th anniversary of the foundation of our business. Taking this opportunity, I would like to show you some examples of my past work. I selected eight photographs that I find the most satisfying. It will give me great pleasure if you enjoy viewing Mt. Fuji.

Shin-uemon Konishi

Chairman and CEO
Konishi Brewing Co. , Ltd.

January, 1996

Akane Fuji (Mt. Fuji against a glowing sky with the rising sun) photo taken from Lake Motosu	Fuji Shurei (graceful figure of Mt. Fuji) photo taken from a 'sea of trees' in Oshino	Koei Fuji (Mt. Fuji's reflection upon the lake) photo taken from Lake Kawaguchi
Fuji and Lupines (Oshino Hakkai) photo taken from Oshino	Kasagumo Fuji (Mt. Fuji with a hat of clouds) photo taken from Lake Shojin	Diamond Ring
Hiun Fuji (Mt. Fuji with floating clouds) photo taken from Kushigata Mountain	Reimei Fuji (Mt. Fuji at dawn) photo taken from Lake Tanuki	Aka Fuji (Mt. Fuji glowing red)
Fuji Kobo (brilliant Fuji)
	Senzai Yuu-yuu	Ouka Ranman
Suikyou no Bi	Chuu-syuu no Meigetsu	Kangetsu Fuji
Kouka Fuji	Seiten Kaikatsu	Seika Koushi
Tousei Kaikei	Usuzumi Hachimaki	Kazuki Kasagumo