By Matt Underwood Japan’s Sakurajima volcano erupts, ashfall cancels flights, and the first thing that really comes to mind is, well, this is not exactly breaking news for folks living around Kagoshima. It’s pretty much a daily occurrence. The volcano, a constant presence on the southern tip of Kyushu, has a habit of reminding everyone of its existence. So, when it erupted on a recent Sunday, spewing ash and smoke high into the sky, it was more of a “yup, there it goes again” moment than a catastrophic event. It’s important to note, the reports of smoke and ash rising as high as 4.4 kilometers caused a ripple effect, the most significant being the cancellation of dozens of flights.
Now, while this particular eruption was a bit more energetic than usual, this is par for the course. Sakurajima erupts frequently. In fact, it’s had hundreds of eruptions this year already. Imagine waking up to that view every morning! Living there means adapting. You give up on having a spotless car and probably develop a serious ash forecast checking ritual for your laundry. You also develop the zen-like ability to accept it all as just another part of everyday life. You see people going about their lives, children going to schools built right at the volcano’s base. It’s truly amazing that people live there at all.
For those of us on the outside looking in, it’s easy to be fascinated by such a powerful natural phenomenon. I’ve heard stories of Kagoshima, a city that offers a slightly different pace from the intensity of Tokyo. People visit, expecting to see action from Sakurajima, and sometimes, they’re disappointed. The volcano might be quiet during their visit. Then there are those who get to experience the full spectacle of a major eruption!
The practical effects of these eruptions are, well, a challenge. Ash, you see, is ultrafine, gets *everywhere*, and it’s quite caustic. It’s like a fine, abrasive powder that finds its way into everything and can cause major issues. Think about the impact on cars, air conditioning systems, and, of course, the people living there. It’s a testament to the resilience of the community. They have built shelters, and children go to school with helmets.
One wonders, what about the health effects? While it doesn’t appear to be a direct cause of lung cancer or silicosis, it can certainly exacerbate pre-existing respiratory issues. Studies have shown a higher mortality rate from chronic respiratory diseases in the area. Imagine living with asthma or allergies and having to contend with ashfall on a regular basis. N95 masks are a must. Yet, despite the risks, people live there and adapt. It’s a reminder of the power of the natural world and the human ability to live alongside it.
The city of Kagoshima offers other delights. It’s a spot where you can dive into local cuisine. There’s tonkatsu, Satsuma-style fried goodies, and fresh seafood. The Satsuma fried goodies are worth trying. The Satsuma province, by the way, is also why the area’s famous oranges are called Satsumas and why sweet potatoes are called “Satsuma-imo.” And the region is also home to Miyazaki prefecture, which boasts beautiful beaches and terrific food.
The ongoing presence of the volcano does make you appreciate the simple things, like the reliability of Japanese cars. Maybe the need to endure the ashfall is the reason why Japanese vehicles are so reliable, but the ash will erode the metal of any car left exposed to it. It’s like a constant test of endurance. I can’t imagine, though, the constant need to clean and maintain these vehicles.
So, while the recent eruption may have caused flight cancellations and inconveniences, for the people of Kagoshima, it was just another day with Sakurajima. It’s a place where you learn to live with the power of nature, where you might have to check the ash forecast before hanging out your laundry, and where you probably have a helmet ready at the door.