Volcano erupts in Japan, spewing ash and smoke

The Saurajima volcano in southern Japan has erupted, spewing a cloud of ash and smoke, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said today.

A local official said no damage had been reported, and meteorologists issued a warning of what they said were moderate amounts of ash in Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures.

"Please take precautions to protect yourself from the ash by using umbrellas or masks, and drive slowly," the JMA said in a statement.

Japan has several active volcanoes, and Sakurajima is a popular tourist destination.

Local authorities have restricted access to the volcano due to a new eruption.