Tokyo International News Agency

At 3:45 p.m. on the 14th, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a near-crater warning and raised the volcanic alert level for Mount Aso (Nakadake) in Kumamoto Prefecture from Level 2 (Do not approach the crater) to Level 3 (Do not approach the volcano/mountain access restricted) due to heightened volcanic activity. According to the JMA, increased activity has been detected at Mt. Aso, including a sharp rise in the volume of volcanic gas emissions. As a result, authorities are urging vigilance against large airborne volcanic rocks and pyroclastic flows within a radius of approximately two kilometers from the Nakadake No. 1 crater. Following the elevation of the alert level, local municipalities around the volcano—including Aso City, Minamiaso Village, and Takamori Town in Kumamoto Prefecture—have implemented entry restrictions around the crater and closed off mountain climbing routes. Local authorities and relevant agencies are strongly advising hikers, residents, and tourists to...

On the morning of the 8th, an eruption occurred from the Ponmachineshiri crater of Mt. Meakan in Hokkaido. The volcanic plume reached approximately 100 meters above the crater and was observed flowing southeast. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is maintaining Volcanic Alert Level 2 (restriction around the crater) and is urging caution against large ballistic projectiles within a 500-meter radius of the crater. The eruption occurred around 9:15 AM and was still confirmed to be ongoing as of 10:00 AM. So far, no reports of significant ballistic projectiles or property damage have been received. While some local residents reported seeing plumes of smoke billowing from their windows, others calmly described it as a relatively minor eruption, saying things like, "It's definitely erupting, but it's small." Additionally, some residents have reported experiencing headaches, possibly due to the eruption. This eruption marks the first in approximately four and a half month...