Why Has Japan Released A Scary AI Video Of Mount Fuji Erupting?

For the first time in centuries, the looming threat of Mount Fuji has taken a hyper-realistic digital form. Japanese authorities have released an AI-generated video depicting a possible violent eruption of the nation’s tallest peak, aimed at preparing Tokyo’s 37 million residents for the unexpected. Though Mount Fuji has been dormant since 1707, officials say the simulation is a proactive step, not a warning of imminent danger.

AI Video Shows Mount Fuji Eruption

Tokyo gets a nightmare vision of a devastating Mount Fuji eruption
byu/TimesandSundayTimes inTokyo

The video, part of Volcanic Disaster Preparedness Day, paints a startling picture: ash clouds billowing toward Tokyo, roughly 100 kilometres away, within hours. It shows streets choked with debris, trains halted, power lines down, and families scrambling to protect their lungs and pantries. A closing shot emphasises practical preparedness: a first-aid kit, a stocked pantry, and the message, “We need to arm ourselves with facts and prepare for disaster in our daily lives.”

The simulation has sparked mixed reactions. Shinichiro Kariya, a 57-year-old hospital worker, admitted feeling uneasy and asked if there actually were any signs of eruption. He said that he is worried about hearing specifics like 10 centimetres of ash even here in Tokyo.

Conversely, Hiromi Ooki, gazing at Fuji from Mishima City, found the exercise grounding. He said that nature’s power is so great that maybe it’s better if it scares us a little. He added that tomorrow, he’ll stock up on emergency supplies. 

Experts stress that the video is precautionary, not prophetic. University of Tokyo professor and risk communication specialist Naoya Sekiya clarified that scenario modelling has long been part of Japan’s disaster planning. He explained that there is no hidden message in the timing. The intent is just to make people aware and prepared.

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What Does The Video Show?

Japan’s geography, cradled in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” makes it particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. The country has built meticulous systems for responding to earthquakes, typhoons, floods, mudslides, and volcanic activity. Just last August, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory” following a powerful quake off Kyushu’s southeastern coast.

Mount Fuji, once erupting roughly every 30 years, remains closely monitored despite its long dormancy. Of the world’s 1,500 active volcanoes, 111 reside in Japan, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance.

Though some residents report anxiety from the vivid imagery, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Cabinet Office Disaster Prevention Division have received no formal complaints. For officials, the simulation’s goal is simple: equip citizens with knowledge and practical steps before disaster strikes, even if it never does.

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In a country shaped by nature’s unpredictability, the AI video is less about fear and more about respect for the mountain, preparedness and the resilience of those who live under its shadow.

Cover Image Courtesy: tokyometropolitangivernment