Japanese officials have released an AI-generated video simulating a violent eruption of Mount Fuji in a bid to raise awareness of the potential dangers.
The clip, published to mark Volcanic Disaster Preparedness Day, warns that an eruption could strike “at any moment, without warning”.
It shows a plume of smoke rising from the volcano before ash begins falling over central Tokyo, around 60 miles away. Within hours, the city is depicted blanketed in ash, with transport at a standstill, food and power supplies disrupted, and residents facing long-term respiratory issues.
“We need to arm ourselves with facts and prepare for disaster in our daily lives,” the video says. It also shows a family stocking up on canned food and a first aid kit.
Tokyo’s city government stressed there are currently no signs of Fuji erupting. It explained: “The simulation is designed to equip residents with accurate knowledge and preparedness measures they can take in case of an emergency.”
Japan, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and is known for its rigorous planning for earthquakes, typhoons, floods, mudslides and volcanic eruptions.
The country is home to 111 of the world’s roughly 1,500 active volcanoes. Mount Fuji, its tallest peak, historically erupted around once every 30 years but has remained dormant since 1707.
