Japan Identifies Eight Volcanoes for Further Investigation

A research committee in Japan has identified eight active volcanoes that require further investigation due to various factors, including recent eruptions, earthquake activity, and insufficient understanding of their current status.

Iwoto Island (formerly Iwojima): Located in Tokyo, this island experienced an eruption in the past year.

Situated in Kagoshima Prefecture, this active stratovolcano is adjacent to the city of Tarumizu and has also erupted recently.

These islands, also in Kagoshima Prefecture, were selected due to their recent volcanic activity.

Straddling the border between Nagano and Gifu prefectures, this mountain was chosen due to earthquake and tectonic movement in the area.

Located in Iwate Prefecture, this volcano was selected for similar reasons as Mount Yakedake.

This island in Kagoshima Prefecture was chosen due to earthquake activity and its proximity to other active volcanoes.

Spanning Akita and Iwate prefectures, this seemingly calm volcano was selected due to insufficient understanding of its current status.

The committee will conduct further investigations on these eight volcanoes to determine the necessary observation points for the coming year. While Mount Asamayama in Gunma and Nagano prefectures was considered, other volcanoes were deemed higher priority and it was not included in the list.

The identification of these volcanoes for further investigation highlights the importance of volcanic research and preparedness in Japan. The tragic eruption of Mount Ontakesan in 2013, which resulted in 58 deaths and five missing individuals, served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by active volcanoes. The establishment of a unified system for volcanic research and the government's headquarters for promoting volcanic observation and research demonstrate the country's commitment to mitigating the risks associated with volcanic activity.