Key Facts
• Shinmoedake volcano spans Miyazaki and Kagoshima Prefectures, active since last month.
• Japan Meteorological Agency raised eruption alert level to 3 on June 23, 2025.
• Advisory meeting held on July 16, 2025, to assess volcanic activity outlook.
• Experts suggest magma involvement in recent eruptions but lack clarity on future eruptions.
• Volcanic gas emissions confirmed; experts recommend issuing warnings for public safety.
• Agency to consider expert advice for future measures.
Summary
The Shinmoedake volcano, located across Miyazaki and Kagoshima Prefectures, has shown heightened activity since June 2025. The Japan Meteorological Agency raised the eruption alert level to 3, restricting access to the area. On July 16, an advisory meeting was held to evaluate the situation, where experts suggested magma involvement in the eruptions but noted difficulty in predicting future activity. Volcanic gas emissions were also observed, prompting recommendations for public warnings. The agency plans to incorporate these insights into its response strategy.
