Undersea Volcano Harm the Coasts of Japan

 

Large amounts of volcanic pumice rocks thrown from the Fukutokuokanoba undersea volcano in the Pacific Ocean are piling up on Southern Japanese coasts.  These pumice pebbles are causing damage to ports and fishing boats.  The government has established a task force to deal with the problem as a natural disaster. 

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihiko reported that 11 ports in Okinawa Prefecture and 19 in Kagoshima Prefecture have been affected so far. Forty fishing boats have been damaged and ferry services connecting remote islands in Okainawa and Kagoshima have been suspended. 

At their first meeting the government task force decided to provide support for the local municipalities. The cost of the damage is not yet known.  Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki said there has been a huge impact on the fisheries and tourism industries as well as the environment. 

What next?

Kagoshima

I spent one day in Kagoshima, and saw many things walking around.  

Around the city are statues of historical figures.  Most give English, as well as Japanese explanations.  

Terukuni Shrine is dedicated to Shimadsu Nariakira, the 28th lord of the Shimadzu family.

Kagoshima Prefectural Museum is a free museum geared toward children, but still interesting for adults. They gave me a gift of volcanic ash of Sakurazima in a little plastic bag.

Kagoshima City Museum of Art  did not allow photos inside.  The entrance fee is a reasonable 300 yen.  This museum was constructed on the ruins of Tsurumaru Castle, the fortress of the lords of Satsuma.  The original museum was founded in 1954, and the new building opened in 1985. 

Tsurumaru Castle Ruins 

St. Francis Xavier Park

Good-bye Kagoshima