Does this video show the volcanic eruption of Sakurajima in Japan? No, that's not true: The footage is from a computer simulation displayed at the Auckland Museum in New Zealand. Volcanologist Colin Wilson created the simulation to show the possible destruction a volcanic eruption would cause to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, which comprises 53 volcanic centers.
The claim originated from a video (archived here) on TIkTok by @kyer7777 on July 31, 2022, with a caption (translated from Korean to English by Lead Stories staff) that read:
Sakurajima volcanic eruption seen from a distance in Japan
This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:
(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Tue Nov 14 17:15:52 2023 UTC)
The video was originally posted on Vimeo (archived here) by @Brandspank 12 years ago with the title "Auckland Museum Volcanic Eruption" and a description that reads:
This projected sequence was designed to simulate a window view in a purpose built set of an Auckland lounge room. High end 3D technologies and particle effects were combined with a background plate creating a realistic rendering of a catastrophic event. The result? Happy client, frightened children, de-valued waterfront property
(Source: Vimeo screenshot taken on Tue Nov 14 17:23:52 2023 UTC)
