The Japanese government has released an AI-generated video warning Tokyo residents of the potential impact if Mount Fuji were to erupt.
The haunting video depicts volcanic ash spreading across the capital within hours of an eruption. It begins with a woman receiving a mobile phone alert before narration warns: “The moment may arrive without any warning.”
Authorities stressed that no eruption is imminent, but Mount Fuji remains an active volcano. Its last eruption, known as the Hoei eruption, occurred 318 years ago.
The simulation also warns that volcanic ash could reach Tokyo within two hours, creating health risks and causing disruptions to power, traffic, and food distribution.
The Japanese government has released an AI-generated video warning Tokyo residents of the potential impact if Mount Fuji were to erupt. AP
A separate government video, released to mark Japan’s Volcano Disaster Prevention Day, urged residents to “visualize specific scenarios” to be better prepared.
Japan lies on the seismically active Ring of Fire and regularly experiences major earthquakes and volcanic activity. In January, the government warned there was an 80 per cent chance of a severe earthquake striking the southern Nankai Trough within 30 years.
Some residents expressed concern following the Mount Fuji simulation. One X user, identifying as Mayotan, wrote: “The thought of volcanic ash causing transportation chaos in the Tokyo metropolitan area is terrifying.”
The video begins with a woman receiving a mobile phone alert before narration warns, “The moment may arrive without any warning.” Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of General Affairs
Authorities stressed that no eruption is imminent, but Mount Fuji remains an active volcano. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of General Affairs
Another, using the handle Suu, highlighted the difficulty of preparing for such a disaster: “Cassette stove, flashlight, water, food,” the user posted, adding it “would be hard” to lose power during Japan’s sweltering summer.
Others criticised the government’s approach as alarmist. X user shomin_consul commented: “It tends to be used to stir up a sense of crisis and fear.”
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Authorities have long urged locals in areas near Mount Fuji to remain prepared. In March, residents were advised to maintain a two-week supply of essentials in case of a large-scale eruption.
Government estimates suggest an eruption could produce 1.7 billion cubic metres of ash, with about 490 million cubic metres potentially accumulating on roads, buildings, and other land areas.
The simulation also warns that volcanic ash could reach Tokyo within two hours, creating health risks and causing disruptions to power, traffic, and food distribution. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of General Affairs
The haunting video depicts volcanic ash spreading across the capital within hours of an eruption. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of General Affairs
Ash could cause structural collapses of weaker buildings, halt train services, and block roads if rainfall caused accumulations of more than three centimetres.
Logistics and power supplies would also be threatened. Piled ash could damage power lines and cut electricity to affected areas.
The potential economic loss from a Mount Fuji eruption has been estimated at up to 2.5 trillion yen (A$26 billion).
AloJapan.com