Kagoshima, Japan – The active volcano Sakurajima, located in southern Kyushu, Japan, has been erupting explosively for over a week, raising concerns among nearby residents. Large-scale eruptions have been observed repeatedly from the Minamidake summit crater (남악산정화구) on the south side of Sakurajima, leading to worries among those planning trips to Japan, with many asking, "Will it really be safe?"

Sakurajima's Ongoing Volcanic Activity
 
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Sakurajima began its eruptive activity on May 15th and has continued with explosive eruptions daily through May 24th. As of 10 PM on the 23rd, there were a total of six eruptions in one day, three of which were explosive. Notably, 11 eruptions occurred on the 22nd, and on the 20th, the amount of volcanic gas released reached 11,200 tons, exceeding 10,000 tons for the first time since observations began in 2007.

Volcanic bombs (噴石), or volcanic rocks, ejected during eruptions have flown between 800m and 1100m from the crater. An eruption at approximately 6:56 PM on the 23rd saw volcanic smoke (噴煙) rise to an astonishing height of 3,500m above the crater. Volcanic ash is affecting areas near Sakurajima, and even parts of Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Oita prefectures.

Currently, Sakurajima remains at Level 3 "Entry Restriction" on the 5-level volcanic eruption alert system. The highest level, Level 5, requires resident evacuation to prevent significant damage. The Kagoshima Local Meteorological Observatory is advising caution against large volcanic bombs and pyroclastic flows within a 2km radius of the Minamidake summit crater and Showa crater. This year, Sakurajima has already recorded 131 eruptions, nearly triple last year's 46. The expansion of the volcanic edifice due to magma movement, which began on May 12th, has not yet subsided, and experts predict the current situation will be prolonged.

What Kind of Volcano is Sakurajima?
 
Sakurajima is an active volcano located in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. It sits in Kagoshima Bay (錦江湾), just 4km from the city center of Kagoshima. Originally an island, it became connected to the Osumi Peninsula (大隅半島) on the east during the 1914 "Taisho Eruption" due to the massive amount of lava flow. It consists of the North Peak (Kitadake) at 1,117m above sea level, the Central Peak (Nakadake) at 1,060m, and the South Peak (Minamidake) at 1,040m. The Minamidake summit crater is currently the most active.

Sakurajima is one of Japan's most active volcanoes, virtually a "history of volcanoes" given its frequent eruptions since recorded history. It typically exhibits "daily eruptions," with two to four small-scale eruptions occurring frequently. Residents of Kagoshima Prefecture are accustomed to this volcanic activity. There have been several large-scale eruptions in the past, but efforts were always made to minimize damage to residents. In July 2022, the alert level was raised to Level 5, leading to an unprecedented evacuation of residents.

Coexistence of Residents' Lives and the Volcano
 
Residents near Sakurajima routinely experience inconvenience due to volcanic activity. Volcanic ash, in particular, directly impacts their daily lives. Testimonies include, "The volcanic ash accumulates so much that we can't clean," and "There were times when we couldn't see the road due to volcanic ash on the car windshield." When eruptions occur at night, residents say, "It's really scary to see the flames, and I'm often startled by the ground shaking and afraid of being hit by volcanic bombs."

Despite this, Kagoshima residents have chosen to coexist with Sakurajima. They make handicrafts using volcanic ash and utilize the hot spring resources provided by the volcano to develop the tourism industry, accepting the volcano as both a regional symbol and a part of their lives. Administrative support is also provided to improve residents' quality of life, including special allowances for cleaning volcanic ash and free distribution of volcanic ash masks.

Can You Travel Safely to Japan?
 
Concerns are growing among Korean tourists planning trips to Japan due to the ongoing eruptions of Sakurajima. However, Sakurajima is located in Kagoshima in southern Kyushu, which is geographically quite distant from popular destinations for Korean tourists such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. It is highly unlikely that Sakurajima's eruptions will significantly impact flights or tourism in these major cities directly.

However, there is a small possibility of flight delays or cancellations depending on the direction of volcanic ash dispersion. Therefore, if you plan to visit the Kyushu region, especially near Kagoshima, it is essential to check the latest volcanic information and pay attention to airline announcements.

Tourist Safety Guidelines During Volcanic Activity:
 
Check Latest Information: Confirm real-time volcanic activity information through the Japan Meteorological Agency website (www.jma.go.jp) or local news.
Check Alert Level: Be aware of the volcanic eruption alert levels and avoid visiting areas with high alert levels. Currently, Sakurajima is at Level 3 "Entry Restriction."
Prepare for Volcanic Ash: It's advisable to prepare N95 masks, protective eyewear, and long-sleeved clothing in case of volcanic ashfall. Stay indoors and close windows and doors to prevent volcanic ash from entering.
Check Flights: Volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines, so check flight status in advance and plan a flexible itinerary to account for potential cancellations.
Re-evaluate Accommodation and Travel Plans: If visiting areas near Kagoshima, re-evaluate your accommodation and travel plans, and be prepared for potential delays when using public transportation.
The Japanese government's Volcano Research Committee announced in February that there were no signs of large-scale eruptions for eight key volcanoes, including Sakurajima. However, volcanic activity is largely unpredictable, so tourists should always exercise caution and prioritize safety.

Sakurajima is an important part of Kagoshima's nature and culture, a fascinating volcano that is constantly active. Local residents and authorities continue their efforts to coexist with the volcano, and tourists can enjoy their trip to Japan without major issues by understanding the situation and adhering to