Japan Unveils Four-Stage Evacuation Plan for Mount Fuji Eruption

Mar 21, 2025 | News On Japan

SHIZUOKA, Mar 21, 2025 (News On Japan) - The Japanese government on March 21st released a report outlining countermeasures for volcanic ash in the event of a Mount Fuji eruption, including a four-stage evacuation plan based on ashfall volume.

Shizuoka Prefecture plans to incorporate the findings into its basic evacuation framework.

"The damage from volcanic ash rarely leads directly to loss of life. Residents are expected to continue living at home as much as possible. Therefore, it is essential to maintain adequate daily supplies as a basic principle," said Toshitsugu Fujii, chair of the government’s ashfall task force for the Tokyo metropolitan area.

According to government estimates, a major eruption of Mount Fuji could result in approximately 490 million cubic meters of volcanic ash — equivalent to about 400 Tokyo Domes — falling on residential areas, roads, and other infrastructure. This could severely disrupt daily life and economic activity.

The report, compiled by a panel of experts, outlines four evacuation stages depending on the ashfall volume. In Stages 1 through 3, where ash accumulation is less than 30 centimeters, residents are generally expected to remain at home. In Stage 4, where ash exceeds 30 centimeters, evacuation is advised. The report also recommends households stockpile at least one week’s worth of supplies, with two weeks’ worth preferred where possible, to prepare for prolonged disruption.

Shizuoka Prefecture, together with Yamanashi and Kanagawa prefectures, has been developing hazard maps and basic evacuation plans through the Mount Fuji Volcanic Disaster Prevention Council.

"The effects and evacuation methods for each ashfall level require responses similar to those being considered in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Based on the national report, we will proceed with analysis and discussions next fiscal year and work on integrating them into the prefecture’s evacuation plan," said Hiroyuki Sakai, head of the Crisis Management Division of Shizuoka Prefecture.

Ash removal and disposal also remain major challenges. The report notes the need for future studies into temporary storage sites and final disposal methods.

"It’s important to fear disasters correctly — knowing what could happen allows us to respond appropriately when the time comes. We hope people will pay more attention to Mount Fuji and understand the potential risks involved," said Sakai.

Source: SBSnews6

Typhoons No. 28 and 29 Bring High Waves to Japan's Pacific Coast

Two typhoons moving across the Pacific southeast of Japan are expected to remain well away from the Japanese mainland, but powerful swells could bring rough seas to a wide stretch of the country's Pacific coastline throughout the three-day holiday weekend, according to forecasts updated at 3 a.m. on October 10.

Cyberattacks Spread Across Japan

A series of cyberattacks has disrupted business operations and exposed millions of customer records across Japan, with a ransomware attack on a cloud service provider affecting 495 companies and local governments nationwide, while convenience store operator Lawson has disclosed a separate breach involving more than 2.15 million personal information records.

Japan's First 360-Degree Projection Mapping Opens in Osaka

Japan's first 360-degree projection mapping show will open at the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts on October 10, transforming the historic building into an immersive world of light, music, and seasonal imagery, with organizers hoping the attraction will also help stimulate the city's nighttime economy.

Tokyo University Professor Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Tokyo University of Science professor emeritus Kenzo Soai has been awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry together with French chemist Henri B. Kagan for discoveries that transformed scientists' understanding of how chemical reactions can favor one of two mirror-image forms of a molecule.

US Military Halts All Okinawa Operations for 48 Hours

The US military suspended activities by all forces stationed in Okinawa for 48 hours from noon on October 7, an unusual measure following the arrest of a US Marine in connection with a robbery and murder case that has renewed scrutiny of crimes involving American service members.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Humanoid Robots Set to Enter Japanese Convenience Stores

Humanoid robots capable of stocking shelves, managing inventory, packaging products, and serving customers in more than 20 languages were showcased at an international retail industry event in Tokyo on October 8, highlighting the growing potential of artificial intelligence to transform store operations as Japan struggles with chronic labor shortages.

Tokyo University Professor Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Qilin Hacker Detained in Japan

A core member of the international ransomware group Qilin was detained in Japan and handed over to German authorities, according to people familiar with the case, as Japanese companies and institutions face a growing wave of cyberattacks that has exposed nearly 15 million pieces of personal information this month alone.

Japan Startup Begins Building Rare Earth Production Facility

Miresso, a Japanese startup backed by trading house Mitsui & Co., has announced the start of construction of a facility to produce beryllium, a rare metal essential for nuclear fusion power generation, with plans to manufacture 100 tons annually, equivalent to about one-third of current global production.

World’s First iPS Cell Heart Surgery Performed in Osaka

A woman in her 50s with severe heart failure underwent what was described as the world's first surgery using commercially available iPS cell-derived heart muscle sheets at an Osaka hospital on September 29, marking the first practical use of the regenerative treatment.