Interest

Hakone Volcano Erupts on Small Scale

Ōwaku Valley, a part of Mount Hakone with high volcanic activity, has been showing more signs of an impending eruption recently. The smoke which regularly issues from its vents was mingled with ash, turning noticeably gray, for about ten seconds around noon on July 21. On June 30 and July 1, it had also erupted on a very small scale, ejecting material to a distance of over 100 meters (328 feet), which technically meets the qualifications for an "eruption." (The distance material from the recent eruption was ejected has not yet been measured.) However, tremors associated with volcanic eruptions have not been recorded. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, "it has the characteristics of an eruption, but that would have an effect on disaster prevention by inciting residents' anxieties, so the term 'eruption' is not appropriate."

Hakone is famed among anime fans as the setting for Tokyo-3 in Neon Genesis Evangelion and numerous car races in Initial D: Fifth Stage, but earlier volcanic activity had heavily restricted tourism. All visitors are now asked to stay at least 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) away from the volcanic area. The area offers Tokyo-3 tours on Evangelion-themed buses and Initial D car tours. Hakone has also set up Evangelion charging stations, an Evangelion classroom, an iPhone app, a tourist map, and an Evangelion merchandise store in the train station.

[Via Asahi Shimbun Digital; Image from Yahoo! News Japan]