Expert Warns Mount Fuji Volcano Is "Ready" to Erupt
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Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic and highest peak, remains an active volcano capable of erupting again, and a retired professor from Kyoto University has warned that the mountain is already in a "standby state," meaning conditions could allow an eruption to begin at almost any time.
Speaking around Japan's Volcano Disaster Prevention Day, observed on August 26, the professor highlighted the possibility that an eruption of Fuji could occur in conjunction with a major earthquake along the Nankai Trough, a seismically active undersea zone south of Japan that is closely watched for its potential to generate destructive quakes.
According to reports, experts have cautioned that once initial warning indicators appear, an eruption could follow within just a few hours, leaving little time for extended preparation. Because of this, officials are urging the public to stay alert to any updates or advisories issued by authorities.
A large-scale eruption of Mount Fuji is expected to have a significant impact well beyond the immediate area, with the Kanto region — including Tokyo — likely to experience notable effects such as ashfall, given its proximity to the volcano.
In light of these risks, there are ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure that could serve a protective function, including facilities designed to act as shelters during a volcanic emergency.
Volcano Disaster Prevention Day serves as an annual reminder of the risks posed by Japan's numerous active volcanoes and aims to encourage both public awareness and government-level preparedness. Mount Fuji, despite being dormant for centuries — its last confirmed eruption dates back to the early 18th century — is regarded by volcanologists as a persistent long-term hazard due to its scale and proximity to densely populated areas.
The combination of a potential Fuji eruption with a possible Nankai Trough earthquake represents a particularly serious concern for disaster planners, as the simultaneous occurrence of both events could compound the challenges of emergency response across a wide region of Japan.
Vocabulary8 words
- active volcano
- a volcano that can still erupt again
- standby
- in a state of being ready very soon
- conjunction
- happening together with something else
- Nankai Trough
- an undersea area near Japan known for strong earthquakes
- indicators
- signs that show something may happen
- infrastructure
- basic buildings and systems a place needs
- volcanologists
- scientists who study volcanoes
- compound
- to make a problem bigger or more difficult
Quiz
Answer key
1. That it is already in a standby state and could erupt soon 2. A possible connection with a Nankai Trough earthquake 3. True
Discussion questions
- What challenges might arise if a Fuji eruption and a Nankai Trough earthquake happened at the same time?
- How important is public awareness in reducing the impact of natural disasters like volcanic eruptions?
- What kinds of infrastructure do you think would be most useful in preparing for a major eruption?
- Should governments prioritize preparing for rare but catastrophic events like this? Why or why not?