The Japanese government emphasized the need for preparedness by releasing computer graphics (CG) footage simulating the eruption of Mount Fuji on the occasion of 'Volcano Disaster Prevention Day.'
일본 정부가 '화산 방재의 날'을 맞아 후지산 분화를 가정한 컴퓨터 그래픽(CG) 영상을 공개하며 대비 필요성을 강조했다.
On the 26th, the Japanese Cabinet Office distributed a video lasting about 10 minutes and estimated damage based on the scale of the eruption in 1707. According to the video, in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture (about 60 km from Mount Fuji), 20 cm of volcanic ash is expected to accumulate two days after the eruption, and Shinjuku Ward in Tokyo (100 km away) is anticipated to be covered by more than 5 cm of volcanic ash.
They warned that wooden houses face an increased risk of collapse if more than 30 cm of volcanic ash accumulates on the roof, and that vehicle travel would be virtually impossible if more than 3 cm of volcanic ash falls in rain.
Fujii Toshitsugu, an earth scientist and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, pointed out, 'Mount Fuji has historically erupted every 30 years on average, but it has been quiet for more than 300 years now,' adding, 'It would not be strange if an eruption were to occur at any time.'
In fact, in 2022, Nagao Toshiyasu, a professor at Tokai University, stated, 'Seismic activity around Mount Fuji has increased,' suggesting, 'It would not be surprising if an eruption occurs soon due to the strong pressure building up inside.'
Moreover, Shimamura Hideki, a specially appointed professor at Musashino Gakuin University, expressed concern in 2021, stating, 'The earthquake in Yamanashi Prefecture is due to magma movement,' and noted that 'if only 0.5 mm of volcanic ash accumulates in the metropolitan area, train services will stop, making traffic disruption unavoidable.' Experts commonly warn that 'the eruption of Mount Fuji is something that will inevitably happen.'
Wada Tamakasa, a disaster management advisor, advised, 'Although precursors to an eruption can be detected, the actual intensity of an explosion can only be known after it occurs,' adding, 'Do not just wait for government announcements; evacuate quickly as it is the way to survive.' Meanwhile, the last eruption of Mount Fuji occurred in December 1707, when volcanic ash began falling on Tokyo just two hours after the eruption and accumulated to about 2 cm over approximately two weeks.