A stark AI-generated vision of the future has laid bare the catastrophic devastation that would engulf Tokyo if Japan's iconic Mount Fuji were to erupt. The simulation, detailed in a new report, forecasts a scene of utter chaos, transforming one of the world's most populous metropolitan areas into an ash-blanketed disaster zone.
A City Paralyzed by Ash
The AI model predicts that within mere hours of a significant eruption, volcanic ash would begin to rain down on the capital, crippling its infrastructure. Tokyo's famed efficiency would grind to a halt as public transport networks seize up, visibility drops to zero, and the weight of the ash threatens to collapse buildings.
Residents would be advised to shelter indoors, but the pervasive fine ash would pose a severe respiratory hazard, overwhelming medical facilities. The report emphasises that the sheer volume of ash—potentially billions of cubic feet—would make a swift cleanup operation impossible.
Global Economic Shockwaves
The repercussions would extend far beyond Japan's borders. As a critical hub in the global supply chain, the paralysis of Tokyo's ports and airports would trigger immediate international disruption. The AI highlights potential outcomes:
- Automotive and tech manufacturing: Production lines worldwide could stall due to a shortage of essential components from Japan.
- Global shipping and aviation: Flight cancellations and major shipping delays would become the norm, mirroring the impact of a global pandemic.
- Financial markets: The Japanese yen and stocks of major corporations would likely plummet, creating instability in international markets.
A Sleeping Giant's Threat
This alarming simulation is rooted in a very real and present danger. Mount Fuji, while a symbol of national beauty, is an active volcano classed as being at a 'high risk' of eruption. Its last major event was in 1707, and seismologists have long warned that the building pressure makes a future eruption inevitable.
The report serves as a sobering reminder of nature's power to disrupt modern civilisation. It calls for enhanced emergency preparedness and international cooperation to mitigate the effects of what many experts consider a question of 'when', not 'if'.
