Listen to the article
Japan’s Mount Fuji Eruption Claim Debunked as AI-Generated Hoax
A viral social media post claiming that Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has erupted for the first time in centuries has been confirmed to be false. The widely shared image showing lava flowing down Fuji’s snow-capped peak with thick ash plumes has been verified as an AI-generated creation, not a documentation of an actual volcanic event.
The misleading post appeared on January 10 on a Facebook page called “EndTimes News,” accumulating more than 2,300 reactions, 1,300 shares, and 181 comments. Its caption dramatically described an “unprecedented and alarming event” where Mount Fuji had supposedly erupted “for the first time, shocking both scientists and residents across Japan.”
Multiple AI detection tools confirmed the fabricated nature of the image. Sight Engine flagged the photo as 89% likely to be AI-generated, while Hive Moderation indicated a 99.9% probability of AI or deepfake content. Undetectable AI assessed the image with just 2% likelihood of authenticity, providing compelling evidence that the dramatic eruption scene was created using AI imaging technology, specifically models like Flux and Wan.
The post notably lacked any disclaimer indicating the use of AI tools, leading some Facebook users to believe the eruption was genuine, while others expressed concern about the spread of misinformation.
Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters, is indeed an active volcano located approximately 100 kilometers west of Tokyo. However, it has remained dormant since its last recorded eruption on December 16, 1707 – more than three centuries ago. Despite the long period of inactivity, Japanese authorities maintain vigilance and preparedness measures for a potential future eruption.
In 2014, over 4,000 people participated in a mass evacuation drill to test emergency response procedures for a possible Fuji eruption. This exercise came in the wake of Mount Ontake’s unexpected eruption, Japan’s second-highest volcano, highlighting the ongoing awareness of volcanic risks in the region.
Japanese officials acknowledge that while Fuji has been quiet for centuries, an eruption remains a possibility that requires preparation. As one official noted in Japan’s National Daily, “Mount Fuji has not erupted in over 300 years since the Hoei eruption (in 1707), but an eruption could happen at any time. Ashfall poses risks to human health, so we want to encourage residents to stockpile masks and goggles.”
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government did release an AI-generated video of Mount Fuji erupting in August 2025, but this was created specifically as an educational tool to raise awareness about potential impacts and to encourage better preparation among Tokyo residents – not to suggest an actual eruption had occurred.
The timing of this false claim coincides with genuine volcanic activity elsewhere in Asia. The Philippines’ Mayon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 3, indicating intensified or magmatic unrest, which may have contributed to heightened public interest in volcanic activity across the region.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of AI-generated misinformation and the importance of critical media literacy in identifying false claims, particularly those related to natural disasters that can cause unnecessary public alarm.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
This is a sobering example of the potential for AI to create highly convincing fakes. I’m impressed by the detection tools that were able to uncover the AI origins of this image. Ongoing efforts to improve AI verification will be key to combating the spread of disinformation.
The details on the AI models used to create this fake Mount Fuji image are quite interesting. It’s clear that the technology has advanced to a point where even experts can be fooled. Ongoing education and awareness around digital media verification will be crucial going forward.
While AI is an impressive technology, it’s concerning to see it used to spread misinformation. I’m glad the fact-checkers were able to quickly identify this as a fabrication. Maintaining trust in the news is crucial, especially around sensitive topics like natural disasters.
Interesting to see this AI-generated image debunked. It’s a good reminder to be cautious about viral social media posts, especially those claiming major geological events. I wonder what the motivations were behind creating and spreading this particular hoax.
It’s a shame to see such a dramatic and eye-catching image turn out to be completely fabricated. I appreciate the diligence of the fact-checkers in thoroughly investigating the claims and exposing this as an AI-generated hoax. Maintaining journalistic integrity is so important these days.
You’re absolutely right. The ability to quickly verify the authenticity of digital media is crucial in an age where AI-generated content can be so convincing. Fact-checking efforts like this are vital for upholding truth and trust in the media.
Fascinating to see the technical analysis behind debunking this AI-generated image. The use of multiple detection tools to assess the likelihood of authenticity is a smart approach. It’s a good reminder that we should always be skeptical of sensational claims, especially those lacking credible sourcing.
Agreed. The proliferation of AI-powered fakes is a real challenge, but the development of verification tools is an encouraging step. Diligent fact-checking is essential to maintain the integrity of journalism and public discourse.