Tokyo - A revived Japanese volcano has erupted with its biggest explosion yet, sending a huge plume of gas, rocks and ash into the sky and breaking windows 8km away.
Officials widened the danger zone to keep residents away. The eruption early on Tuesday was the biggest since the Shinmoedake volcano burst to life last week.
Wide areas were covered with ash and boulders landed on roads kilometres away. The blast also knocked down trees and broke hundreds of windows in local hotels and offices.
The volcano is in the remote Kirishima range on the southern island of Kyushu. Public broadcaster NHK said a woman suffered cuts from shattered glass in Tuesday's blast. No serious injuries have been reported. - Sapa-AP