Volcanoes of Japan

Above, the peak of Mt. Fuji from the timberline. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Big Sushi, Little Fishes: A Japan Blog has posted an article on the "Volcanoes of Japan" due to the eruption of Mount Ontake.

The article points out that 72% of Japan is mountainous with 110 of Japan's mountains being active volcanoes, including Mount Fuji. The article also include links to the Wikipedia list of Japan's volcanoes and the watch list of 47 of the most active volcanoes (that are monitored 24 yours a day) by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Volcanoes have played roles (of varying degrees) in some kaiju movies over the years. These include Rodan (1956), in which the two Rodans are killed by an eruption of Mount Aso; King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) has the big battle between Kong and Godzilla start on the slopes of Mount Fuji; and Godzilla falls into the cauldron of Mount Mihara in Return of Godzilla (1984). Godzilla escapes Mount Mihara in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

Above, a couple from Hong Kong inside of the Mt. Aso Volcano Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

These are all covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. On page 37, that spotlights Mount Fuji, there is a USGS map of the major volcanoes of Japan. Many of these volcanoes are visited annually by tourists and hikers and have visitor centers with exhibits and educational programs.

Finally, Japan Today asks the question: Could Fuji be next?