What It's Like Living On Japan's Most Active Volcano

If you've ever imagined being in the vicinity of an active volcano, the first thing that would likely spring to mind would be to get away from there as quickly as possible. But for some people, it's home.

Take those living in Kagoshima, Japan, for example.

Their streets are filled with volcanic ash, their children have to wear protective helmets to go to school in case of falling debris and they experience up to 1,000 eruptions a year from the Sakurajima volcano.

YouTube/Tokyo Lens

It wouldn't be ridiculous to assume that those living in the area were born there and are just used to it.

Surprisingly, however, many residents have moved to the area: some to be with their partners who hail from the island, and others because they thought it would be pretty 'neat' to live on a volcano.

A woman who moved to Kagoshima 13 years ago to be with her now late-husband spoke to YouTube channel Tokyo Lens and said: "I was terrified at first. I just wanted to move home.

"But humans are a peculiar thing, aren't they?

"A year, two, three years go by, you get used to it and suddenly you're like, 'Hmm, another eruption.' 'Oh look, more ash to deal with.' Used to it now but it's still quite scary."

YouTube/Tokyo Lens

Another fearless local added: "There ain't a thing to be afraid of, even if she does erupt.

"You just get a big old cloud, and maybe some falling rocks, but you're not gonna get taken over by lava."

A person who works on the island said: "Honestly, at this point, I barely even notice when an eruption shakes my house.

"But every once in a while, when I'm driving the road back here and the volcano erupts, you can see the magma flying out of the volcano. I look at it and think, 'That's amazing.'"

Hmm, you might be on your own there, pal.

He went on to add: "It's honestly gotten to that point. It's actually beautiful like fireworks."

The last major eruption took place in 1914, although it has continued to erupt since.

Most recently, that occurred on 3 October 2020, with pilots being warned about volcanic ash clouds that reached 10,000 feet into the air.

Think you could live here?

Topics: Interesting, Community

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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