Sakurajima Volcano Erupts in Japan, Spewing Ash 14,400ft into the Sky

On the morning of November 17, 2025, Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, erupted in a dramatic display. The volcano, located in the Kyushu region, sent a plume of ash and smoke soaring up to 14,400ft into the sky, prompting a warning from the Japan Meteorological Agency about potential ashfall in the surrounding areas.

Footage of the eruption shared online showed a bright orange explosion within the crater, followed by a billowing cloud of dark ash rising into the night sky. While no damage has been reported in the immediate vicinity of the volcano, the weather agency has forecast ashfall in parts of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, where Sakurajima is situated.

Sakurajima has been in an almost constant state of eruption since 1955, with thousands of small explosions each year that throw ash and rock up to a few kilometers above the mountain. The latest eruption is the latest in a series of events, including previous activity in May 2025, February 2024, February 2023, July 2022, and October 2020.

The agency has kept its alert level for Sakurajima at three on a scale of five, which restricts access to the mountain. Locals have been advised to take precautions, such as using umbrellas or masks, and to drive slowly in areas where a moderate amount of ashfall is expected.