Living in the Shade of Sakurajima—The Most Active Volcano in Japan

In spite of the frequent eruptions, people have lived on the volcano since ancient times. Shell heaps, made of shells discarded after their contents were eaten, dating from the Jomon Era (14,000–600BC in southern Kyushu) have been uncovered by archaeologists. Although more than 20,000 lived on the island prior to 1914, today, the population has shrunk to 4,000 inhabitants, primarily due to Japan’s overall population decline that most severely affects rural areas. The fewer than 100 elementary school children who live on the volcano wear helmets for protection from falling pumice and ash as they walk to and from school. <a href="https://diane-japan.medium.com/living-in-the-shade-of-sakurajima-the-most-active-volcano-in-japan-265c3861ea8f">Click Here</a>