Japan has released an AI-generated video to illustrate the potential impact of a Mount Fuji eruption on Tokyo, aiming to prepare the city’s 20 million residents for such a scenario. The video shows large clouds of smoke rising from Japan’s iconic volcano, with volcanic ash rapidly spreading over the capital, blanketing buildings and vehicles, and disrupting daily life. While there is no indication of an imminent eruption, Mount Fuji remains an active volcano, with its last major eruption occurring 318 years ago during the Hoei eruption.
Produced by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Disaster Prevention Division, the AI simulation depicts a woman receiving an urgent alert on her phone as ash begins to descend, emphasizing the suddenness of a potential disaster. Narration warns that ash could reach Tokyo within two hours, causing health hazards, traffic disruptions, power outages, and interruptions to food distribution.
On Japan’s Volcano Disaster Prevention Day, the government released another simulation video urging residents to visualize specific disaster scenarios to be better prepared. Located on the Ring of Fire, Japan frequently experiences seismic and volcanic activity, and authorities have been increasingly cautious to raise public awareness.
Concerns over potential large-scale disasters have intensified following government warnings in January that there is an 80% chance of a severe earthquake hitting the southern Nankai Trough within 30 years, although some seismologists have questioned the accuracy of these predictions.
Residents reacted with mixed emotions to the Fuji video. Some expressed anxiety about the chaos volcanic ash could cause in the Tokyo metropolitan area, while others acknowledged the practical challenges of preparation, noting difficulties in managing food, water, and power during summer heat. Some social media users criticized the government’s warnings as alarmist, suggesting that such alerts may deter tourists.
The government previously recommended residents near Mount Fuji maintain a two-week supply of essentials in case of a full-scale eruption. A major eruption could release up to 1.7 billion cubic meters (60 billion cubic feet) of volcanic ash, with nearly 490 million cubic meters expected to accumulate on roads, buildings, and other surfaces, posing risks to structures and transportation. Wooden houses with low load-bearing capacity could collapse, and ash accumulation could plunge urban areas into darkness even during daytime.
Economically, a significant eruption could result in losses of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($16.6 billion). Even minor ash deposits could halt train operations, make roads impassable, and disrupt logistics, while the weight of accumulated ash could damage power lines, causing widespread outages. The video serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of Japan’s most famous volcano and the importance of preparedness for residents living under its shadow.
