Monti Fuji, a postcard of Japan and a symbol of tranquility, is also an active volcano that has not erupted since 1707, but this week millions of Japanese had a reality shock.

The Tokyo metropolitan government released videos generated by artificial intelligence, showing what a violent eruption of Fuji would be like today. The images are part of the day of preparation for volcanic disasters and simulate a devastating scenario.

Smoke coming from the summit, ashes reaching the center of Tokyo almost 100 km away in a few hours and the capital completely covered. The video shows paralyzed transportation, food and energy shortages, and even prolonged respiratory problems, all as a direct consequence of the falling ash.

The objective is, of course, to prepare the 37 million inhabitants of the metropolitan region for a disaster that can occur without prior warning. Although authorities reinforce that there are no signs of an imminent break-in, the reaction was mixed.

For some residents who live with a direct view of Fuji, the alert served as an immediate trigger to buy emergency supplies, others expressed discomfort, because they wonder if there is really any risk; Nobody knows. That is the contrast between awareness and fear shows how delicate risk communication is.

Specialists such as Naoya Sequilla from the University of Tokyo highlight that simulations of this type are nothing new. Japan has already been modeling scenarios for earthquakes and typhoons for decades, but the use of AI, however, provides a realism that impacts more deeply on the population, the purpose is not to alarm, but to transform concern into practical actions.

Store water. food, flashlights, knowing evacuation routes and keeping family plans up to date, it is worth remembering, Mount Fuji already had periods of irruptions every 30 years on average, 318 years have passed since the last one that covered old Tokyo with ashes.

Scientists continue to classify Fuji as active and Japan, with its 111 volcanoes in the so-called Pacific circle of fire, cannot afford to ignore low probability risks. In the end the videos raised an important point, how to balance realism and tranquility.

For some it is uncomfortable, for others it is a vital reminder that even the most majestic symbol can change lives in the blink of an eye.