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🏙️ Kagoshima

Japan · Population 595,049 · Elevation 4 m · Airport KOJ

Volcanic Risk Profile

Kagoshima sits directly across Kinkō Bay from Sakurajima, just 9 km from the active vent. Residents typically receive ash fall on 100+ days per year, with the JMA broadcasting eruption alerts to mobile phones within seconds of larger explosions. Ash sweepers operate daily on major roads; designated yellow plastic ash bags ("kabaihai-bukuro") are collected curbside by the city.

Nearby Active Volcanoes

Distance from city center to Sakurajima crater: 10 km (great-circle).

Notable Eruptions Affecting Kagoshima

1914
Sakurajima

Taisho eruption — lava flows joined Sakurajima island to the mainland; 35 km³ of material; 58 deaths.

2013
Sakurajima

Record 1,097 explosive events in one year; ash plume reached 5,000 m on Aug 18.

2022
Sakurajima

Level-5 evacuation warning issued July 24 (first ever for Sakurajima).

Evacuation & Civil Protection

JMA volcanic alert levels 1–5 broadcast on NHK and emergency phone alerts. Designated shelters: Kagoshima Arena, Kanoya Sports Park. Ferry suspension is the primary travel disruption.

Health & Air Quality

Long-term residents show elevated rates of chronic bronchitis. Kagoshima University Hospital monitors PM₁₀ exposure cohorts. N95-grade masks distributed by ward offices during heavy ash days.

Current Conditions

View real-time volcanic ash levels for Kagoshima on the interactive 3D map.

Check Live Volcash Score →

Activity Safety Thresholds

Volcash score limits beyond which each activity is no longer recommended for Kagoshima residents:

Running50

3–5× breathing volume

Cycling50

High respiratory load

Hiking50

Mountain ash accumulation

Children outdoors30

Higher intake per body weight

Driving150

Visibility-limited

General outdoors100

Walking, shopping, commuting