(10/10/2007)
HOKKAIDO - Natural disasters like volcanic eruptions can cause great destruction.

But for residents who live near an active volcano, such eruptions can also bring benefits.

Standing more than 730 metres high is Mount Usu, situated in Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido.

It has erupted four times in the last century.

After its eruption in 1943, a 400-metre-high mountain was formed from volcanic lava.

It was named Showa Shinzan because it happened during the country's Showa period, during the reign of Emperor Hirohito.

Mount Usu last erupted on 31 March 2000.

Memories of that event are still fresh in the minds of those who live here, especially the local authorities who played a central role in saving lives.

Seiji Saito, Economy Department of Sobetsu Town, said: "I kept my eyes on the mountain. I was wearing a helmet and I had the radio on. I was running around in this area."

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the last eruption.

Due to an early warning from a volcanic expert, 10,000 people were evacuated safely.

Hiromu Okada, Board Member of Crisis and Environment Management Policy Institute, said: "It's relatively easy for any volcanologist to make a prediction when the magma is viscous or highly viscous. We can give useful advice when we conduct careful observations."

Mount Usu is still spewing smoke and it is believed that in the year 2030, it will have its next volcanic eruption.

But no one living in the area is in a hurry to leave. Due to the active volcano, hot spring water – a major tourism attraction – is in abundance.

Hot spring water is believed to be able to beautify the skin, and help those who have poor blood circulation.

The landscape is also breathtaking because volcanic eruptions had created new mountains and craters.

Although the last eruption happened only seven years ago, the area is very green because the ash contains rich nutrients.

Fujimori Fruit Farm grows apples, grapes, plums and cherries that thrive in this environment.

Hajime Fujimori, owner of Fujimori Fruit Farm, said: "It generally rains a lot in Japan. Too much rain causes the fruits to be too sweet, ruining their taste and shortening their durable life. With this soil, the fruits grow well and don't spoil as quickly."

That is one of the reasons why many of the residents said they have no intention of leaving the area despite the threat of another eruption in the future. (CNA/PAB)