Volcanic eruption in Japan spreads ash

TOKYO — A volcano in southwestern Japan is erupting for the first time in six years, spewing ash over nearby farms, cities and towns. Japanese broadcaster TBS showed elementary school students wearing helmets and masks Thursday on the way to their school at the foot of the Shinmoedake volcano.

The volcano on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures started erupting Wednesday for the first time in six years.

On Thursday, an ash plume rose 2,000 metres from the crater, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.