At least nine people have been injured in a volcanic eruption near a ski resort in central Japan, officials said.
Most of the injured were on the ski slopes, while some were in a gondola where glass was broken apparently by a flying rock, said Makoto Shinohara, an official in Kusatsu town.
Five people had broken bones, but none of the injuries were life-threatening.
The Japanese military said six soldiers who were among about 30 on ski training were buried by a nearby avalanche, but they were all rescued.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says snow-covered Mount Kusatsu-Shirane erupted around 10am.
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