It hasn't erupted for over 300 years, but it could certainly erupt again and in fact, some scientists think this could happen within the next few years, due to certain warning signs.
The level of emissions has risen; these are now of water rather than magma, but it could still be a sign of changes in the volcano's activity. Water levels in lakes in the area have risen. Large craters have also opened in the nearby region, from which natural gas is emerging. Again, this is not volcanic gas but, together with the water eruptions, Japanese experts are concerned that it could be the start of a new period of activity.

The renewed interest in 'Fuji-San' as the mountain is sometimes called in Japan, was sparked by the discovery of a large fault line below it, a possible cause of earthquakes. Any seismic or volcanic upheavals around this area would cause devastating damage to a country still recovering from the natural disasters of 2011.