The Great Hōei Earthquake struck southern Honshu in 1707, registering as the largest earthquake in Japanese history prior to the 21st century. The earthquake caused widespread destruction and triggered a deadly tsunami, which compounded the disaster's impact. Additionally, it led to the last historic eruption of Mount Fuji, marking a significant geological event that influenced Japanese culture and disaster preparedness.

The Great Hōei Earthquake and tsunami in 1707 shattered the iconic status of Mount Fuji as an unchangeable literary ideal. This disaster introduced themes of impermanence into Edo-period verse, influencing poets like Matsuo Bashō to reflect on the transient nature of life and beauty.