The Tokyo Metropolitan Government unveiled computer- and AI-generated videos this week for Volcanic Disaster Preparedness Day, showing the possible effects of a violent eruption of Mount Fuji. The active volcano, about 100 kilometers from central Tokyo, last erupted in 1707. The simulation presented volcanic ash covering the capital within hours, stopping transport, affecting food and electricity supplies, and causing serious health problems. Authorities explained that the project was designed to help the 37 million residents of the Tokyo region prepare for future emergencies. Officials confirmed there are no current signs of an eruption, but the release emphasized Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic activity. The sudden focus on volcanic hazards caused concern among some residents.

Government representatives stressed that the video was not a prediction but a training tool to raise public awareness. The material advised families to keep basic food and medical items at home. University of Tokyo professor Naoya Sekiya clarified that the simulation came from long-term planning studies and not from present volcanic risks. Some residents, however, expressed unease, viewing the images as warnings of a disaster. Specialists in disaster management argued that such visual tools can increase vigilance and improve public safety, even if they create anxiety. The initiative highlights Japan’s careful planning for emergencies and the continuing challenge of protecting community resilience in a nation on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”