The Tokyo Metropolitan Government unveiled AI-based and computer-generated videos this week for Volcanic Disaster Preparedness Day, showing a possible scenario of a major eruption of Mount Fuji. The volcano, located about 100 kilometers from central Tokyo, last erupted in 1707 but remains active. The simulation showed volcanic ash spreading rapidly over the capital, paralyzing transportation, damaging food and power supplies, and creating severe respiratory risks. Authorities stated that the videos were created to help the 37 million residents of the Tokyo metropolitan region get ready for potential disasters. Although there are currently no indications of an imminent eruption, the project underscores Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic activity. The timing of the release raised questions among residents, some of whom expressed apprehension about the sudden emphasis on volcanic hazards.

The government emphasized that the simulation was not a forecast but a tool to improve awareness and readiness. The video included practical advice, such as maintaining emergency food and medical supplies at home. University of Tokyo expert Naoya Sekiya clarified that the exercise reflected years of scenario planning rather than immediate volcanic danger, noting that Japan regularly develops strategies to mitigate risks from its 111 active volcanoes. Some residents, however, reported unease, interpreting the vivid imagery as a portent of catastrophe. Disaster specialists argued that such visualizations can cultivate vigilance and strengthen public preparedness, even if they also generate anxiety. The initiative reflects Japan’s meticulous approach to crisis management, highlighting both the necessity and the psychological challenge of sustaining community resilience in a nation located on the volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire.”