Trendpills
Japan’s Sakurajima volcano, located in Kagoshima Prefecture, experienced a series of powerful eruptions starting on May 15, 2025, causing significant disruption to local life and air travel. The volcanic activity, centered at the Minamidake summit crater, sent plumes of ash soaring as high as 3,000 meters into the atmosphere, according to reports from local media.
The volcanic ashfall has had a direct impact on aviation. Due to the reduced visibility and potential danger to aircraft engines, airlines were forced to cancel flights. At least 25 flights were cancelled at Kagoshima Airport, affecting routes connecting the southern Kyushu island to major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) continues to issue advisories for the area through its Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), monitoring the movement of the ash cloud.
In Kagoshima City, residents faced accumulations of volcanic ash on streets and vehicles. Eyewitness reports and media coverage showed daily life being impacted by the persistent ashfall, with some people using umbrellas for protection against the falling particles. The eruptions also ejected large volcanic rocks in the vicinity of the crater, underscoring the intensity of the event. Sakurajima is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, and its frequent eruptions are a known hazard in the region, often leading to temporary disruptions for residents and travelers. Authorities continue to maintain an alert level for the volcano, advising caution for those near the mountain.
