A volcano on Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture erupted early Sunday, sending a plume of ash and smoke up to 4,400 meters. The weather agency issued ashfall forecasts for parts of Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki prefectures, keeping the alert level at three. No injuries or damage to buildings have been reported.
An explosive eruption occurred around 12:57 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Minamidake crater of Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan. According to the Meteorological Agency, the plume of ash and smoke rose above 4,400 meters, marking the first time it exceeded 4,000 meters since October 18 last year. The eruption continued with several subsequent events.
Large volcanic rocks reached as far as the fifth station, but no pyroclastic flows were detected. The agency forecasted ashfall in parts of Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki prefectures. "In areas where a moderate amount of ashfall is expected, please take measures to protect yourself from ash, such as using umbrellas or masks, and make sure to drive slowly," the agency advised.
Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, is connected to the Osumi Peninsula on Kyushu island by a land bridge formed by a 1914 lava flow. The alert level remains at three on a five-point scale, restricting access to the mountain. No injuries or damage to buildings have been reported.