Aso-Kuju and Unzen-Amakusa National Parks: Japan – Under the Volcano On the top of a smoking volcano, on the southern island of Kyushu in Japan, a Shinto priest performs rights that keep his community safe. 200 years ago his town was completely destroyed. The last eruption here was in 1991. Forty-three scientists, firemen and media workers died in the fire and ash. A volcanologist who witnessed the death of his colleagues is concerned. Yet another volcano on Kyoto now threatens to erupt. But nature has created rare beauty here.