Sakurajima

A Kyoto University professor has warned that Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima is approaching conditions similar to those just before the Taisho-era eruption of 1914, one of the most powerful in modern Japanese history. About 600 officials and residents gathered to discuss how to prepare for a major eruption.

Mount Sakurajima's Minamidake peak in Kagoshima prefecture erupted four times, with volcanic rocks thrown roughly 500 metres from the crater and thick plumes of smoke rising over the area. The repeated explosions at one of Japan's most active volcanoes are drawing attention, with local media covering the activity and images of the plumes spreading widely.