Yamakage

Yamakage (山影) is a Japanese word that literally translates to "mountain shadow" or "mountain silhouette." It refers to the shadow cast by a mountain, particularly the shape and form of the mountain as seen in its shadow. The term often carries aesthetic and poetic connotations, evoking a sense of the grandeur of nature and the passage of time.

Yamakage can describe the long, dramatic shadows stretching across valleys during sunrise or sunset, or the more subtle outlines of mountains visible in hazy conditions. It is frequently used in literature, art, and photography to convey a feeling of depth, mystery, and the sublime. The concept is also used in gardening and landscape design to create visually appealing perspectives and to emphasize the scale of the natural environment. While technically meaning the shadow itself, the word can also be used more broadly to refer to the silhouette or outline of a mountain, even when not directly illuminated.