Meteorological authorities raised the eruption alert level for Kuchinoerabujima island in Kagoshima Prefecture on June 26 after a surge in volcanic earthquakes.
Ume (Plum) Flowers Bloom in Fukuoka
As the traditional Japanese calendar indicates, the beginning of spring, Feb. 3, is referred to as
risshun, and plum flowers began to bloom in Fukuoka Prefecture. As of Feb. 1, the Fukuoka Regional Headquarters of Japan Meteorological Agency reported blooming of
hakubai plum, one day earlier than on average. Also, sources in Kagoshima Prefecture reported that the region’s
hikan-zakura cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Warm weather is forecasted in Kyushu for several days from Feb. 4. On the other hand, this means hay fever season will also begin earlier. For some of the best places to view the blossoms check out our annual Plum Blossom Guide! (written for 2020 and will be updated very soon)
Mount Otake, a volcano on Suwanosejima island in Kagoshima Prefecture, erupts Dec. 28, spewing rocks and other debris into the early morning sky. (Provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Fukuoka Regional Headquarters)
TOSHIMA, Kagoshima Prefecture A volcano on a small island here with an 80-strong population erupted early Dec. 28, spewing large rocks and other debris into the sky, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to ban the entry to the mountain for the first time.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, according to Kagoshima prefectural authorities.
Mount Otake, a 796-meter volcano on Suwanosejima island in Toshima village, has been particularly active in recent days and entry to the area around the crater remained banned under level 2 of the agency s five-stage volcanic alert.