A stunning video captured by an Indian resident in Japan, showing the iconic Mount Fuji from an extraordinary distance of nearly 200 kilometres, has taken social media by storm. The clip has ignited a widespread conversation about air purity, with many users drawing a direct and painful comparison to the deteriorating air quality in Indian cities like Delhi.
Viral Clip Captures Pristine Japanese Skies
The video was shared by a user named Azeem Mansoori, who used his camera to pan towards the distant, yet perfectly visible, snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji. The clarity of the view from such a vast distance served as a powerful testament to the quality of the atmosphere. Mansoori explicitly attributed the sight to clean air, stating in the video, "Japan's air is so clean." He emphasised the point by adding, "Let me show you how clear it looks from this distance. I think this is proof enough that Japan's air is very clean. Come to Japan, live here."
The post quickly gained massive traction online, amassing close to 12,000 views and gathering over 600 likes as users expressed their awe and envy.
Social Media Erupts With Comparisons to Delhi's Smog
The viral video triggered a flood of reactions, with the dominant theme being a lament over the poor air quality in major Indian urban centres. The contrast between the two environments was stark and immediately seized upon by netizens.
One user commented pointedly, "Here in Delhi, you can't even see ten metres ahead," before conceding, "But despite everything, Delhi's vibe is different." Another user expressed a deep sense of nostalgia for clear skies, writing in Hindi, "Bhai aisa Aasman dekhe hue to jamana ho gya (Haven't seen a sky like this in ages)." Several reactions took a humorous tone, with suggestions that Japan should export some of its clean air to Delhi.
Clear Skies Enable Rare Long-Distance Vistas
The phenomenon of seeing landmarks from incredible distances is not unique to Japan but is entirely dependent on atmospheric clarity. Mount Fuji, Japan's most celebrated landmark, is famously visible from numerous locations like Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes area, but the 200-kilometre view showcased in Mansoori's video is exceptional.
In a remarkably similar incident from India earlier this year, a resident of Bihar shared a viral video in October showing a crystal-clear view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges from Jainagar in Madhubani. Reports noted that such breathtaking views of the Himalayas, located hundreds of kilometres away, become occasionally visible from north Bihar districts like Madhubani and Sitamarhi only when air quality improves significantly, usually after rainfall.
These parallel instances from Japan and India underscore a simple, powerful truth: the ability to see natural wonders from afar is one of the most visible and beautiful indicators of a clean, healthy atmosphere. The viral video from Japan, therefore, transcends being just a visual marvel; it serves as a poignant benchmark for environmental quality that resonated deeply with viewers in India.
