The Kawaguchiko Municipal Assembly in Yamanashi Prefecture on Monday adopted an ordinance designating Feb. 23 as "Mount Fuji Day" to protect and promote Japan's tallest mountain.
Officials of the town at the foot of the 3,776-meter mountain said it would celebrate the day by setting off about 2,000 fireworks on Lake Kawaguchi.
The date was selected by playing on the syllables of mountain's name -- two for 'fu,' two for 'ji' and three for 'san' -- which spells "Fuji-san" in Japanese.
"Snow-capped Mount Fuji is at its most beautiful in February," a town official said, adding that is is hoped more tourists will visit the region around the landmark in winter.
The ordinance went into effect immediately, and copies of the 2001 calendar to be distributed to the townspeople will identify Feb. 23 as Mount Fuji Day.
The nearby city of Fujiyoshida is also contemplating setting its own Mount Fuji Day, city officials said.