Tokyo
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Large clouds of smoke from Japan's most famous mountains.
Soon, volcanic ash spreads across the populous capital of Tokyo, clouding the air and covering buildings and vehicles.
This is all about video released by the Japanese government to warn the 20 million residents of Tokyo what to expect if Mount Fuji, a breathtaking volcano looming into the city.
There is no suggestion that an eruption is imminent, but Fuji is an active volcano. It last erupted 318 years ago and was known as the Hoei eruption.
Released on Sunday by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Disaster Prevention Department, AI-Video, shows a woman on a bustling street was suddenly warned by phone to let her know that the volcano had erupted.
“The moment can arrive without warning,” the narration says before cutting into the dramatic visual of the large cloud of smoke emanating from Fuji.
The video warns that volcanic ash could reach Tokyo within two hours, causing health risks and disruptions to the distribution of power, traffic and food.
The government's Cabinet Office released another simulation video on Tuesday (Japan's Volcanic Disaster Prevention Day).
Japan is not a stranger to serious earthquakes and volcanoes. It lies on a circle of fire, an area of intense earthquakes and volcanic activity on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.
Authorities have strengthened their attention over the past year, hoping to raise public vigilance levels.
Fear of “big things” has been growing since the Japanese government warned in January that there is an 80% chance of colliding with the southern valley of South Nankai in the country within 30 years. Some seismologists are critical of these warnings and question whether they are accurate.
Some residents expressed concern following the Fuji video.
“The idea of volcanic ash causing transport chaos in the metropolitan area of Tokyo is scary,” said an internet user identified as Mayortan in X.
Another X-user identifying himself as a SUU focused on both the importance and challenges of preparation. “Cassette stoves, flashlights, water, food.” But they pointed out that it's “difficult” to silence in the summer when temperatures in Japan are rising to swell levels.
Some viewed the Japanese authorities' approach as vigilantes, and in the past few months, deterrent warnings for several tourists have changed.
“It tends to be used to stir up a sense of crisis and fear,” the user wrote in the X-handle shomin_consul.
This is not the first time the authorities have reminded residents of cities around Fuji to prepare. In March, the government issued guidelines recommending residents maintain two weeks of supplies of essential supplies in the event of a full runoff.
The government says a massive eruption will produce an estimated 1.7 billion cubic meters (60 billion cubic feet) of volcanic ash.
Stacked ash could destroy wooden homes with low load capacity, one expert warned earlier.
The sky will be covered in black volcanic ashes and urban areas will plunge into darkness, even during the day, the government added.
The economic losses caused by the eruption of Mt. Fuji are estimated to be up to 2.5 trillion yen ($16.6 billion).
Even small amounts of accumulated volcanic ash can stop the train from running, and when rain falls, ash, which accumulates at a depth of more than 3 centimeters (1.2 inches), can pass through the roads of the vehicle.
Logistics can be destroyed, making essential products difficult to obtain, reducing power lines with the weight of ash, leading to power losses.
