Mount Fuji eruption AI warning video terrifies locals and tourists

The terrifying new video shows what would happen if Japan’s Mount Fuji had a long-overdue eruption, and teaches people what to do in the event ash falls over Tokyo

An AI-generated volcano^[1] eruption video has spread terror through locals and tourists in a bid by local officials to prepare the populace for a cataclysmic event.

Japanese^[2] officials have released a video mock-up of the moment Mount Fuji, the country’s 3776-metre active volcano, erupts and spews ash over the local populace. The picturesque mountain, which has long-featured in tourist snaps and postcards from the nation, looms large over the local populace of 37 million and 19 million foreign visitors per year.

The volcano has technically been overdue an eruption^[3] for the last 118 years, having previously blown its top every 210 years over the last 10 millenia, and the Japanese government is attempting to prepare people in the city should that moment come again soon.

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The video, which was put together by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, is designed to keep people alert of the potential effects from a massive eruption. The instructional video shows a woman browsig her phone as an alert informs her of the volcanic eruption, with video screens in the city centre showing smoke coughing from the mountain before cascading down.

Following clips in the video show people trudging through the fallen ash while clutching umbrellas, with a voiceover warning the ashfall would reach Tokyo in just two hours.

The voiceover adds that the eruption would have world-shaking consequences, with a detailed map showing the ash cloud stretching across the Pacific and beyond. It goes on to tell people they would likely have enough time to seek cover, but adds that even minimal ashfall would massively disrupt public life.

It states: “It only takes a minimal accumulation of ash on runways and rails to render planes and trains unusable.” The video adds: “A small amount of ash on roads may impact the operation of two-wheel drive vehicles, as the ash fall limits visibility and increases the risk of slippage, creating hazardous driving conditions.”

Local officials who created the “simulation” said it was done to ensure residents were equipped with the knowledge they need to survive in an emergency eruption.

Tokyo officials said in a public statement: “The simulation is designed to equip residents with accurate knowledge and preparedness measures they can take in case of an emergency.” And it appears to have had its intended effect, with people taking to social media to talk about the terrifying clip.

One social media user posted on X saying: “Is it a responsible use of AI to generate videos to scare the hell out of millions? Apparently.” Others have praised the move, however, saying the video was “a smart use of AI for public awareness”.