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Japan Uses AI Simulations to Illustrate Mount Fuji Eruption Risks for Tokyo

Officials say no eruption is imminent, using the visuals to press preparedness guidance.

Overview

  • The Tokyo Metropolitan Government released an AI-generated video, and the Cabinet Office issued a separate simulation to mark Volcano Disaster Prevention Day.
  • The scenarios project volcanic ash reaching the capital within one to two hours, with local accumulation of roughly 2–10 centimeters.
  • Government modeling estimates 1.7 billion cubic meters of ash could be produced, with about 490 million cubic meters settling and economic losses potentially reaching 2.5 trillion yen.
  • Preparedness guidance urges residents to maintain emergency supplies—up to two weeks for a major event—and advises evacuation only if ash builds beyond about 30 centimeters, particularly near weaker wooden structures.
  • Some experts criticized the tone as alarmist, but officials reiterated that monitoring shows no signs of an imminent Mount Fuji eruption.