Japanese volcano erupts – in pictures

Shinmoedake peak eruption – as seen from Takaharu, a town in Miyazaki prefecture Photograph: Reuters Volcanic lightning is seen above Shinmoedake as it erupts Photograph: Reuters An aerial view shows smoke spewing from Shinmoedake peak, which is located between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters The eruption sends tonnes of ash into the atmosphere Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters A view of the lava dome in Shinmoedake's crater Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters Erupting Shinmoedake, as seen from Kirishima town Photograph: Kirishima City Office/EPA Volcanic ash from the Shinmoedake eruption covers Takaharu town Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters Takaharu town is blanketed in ash from the eruption Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters Ash rises from Shinmoedake in Kirishima mountain range Photograph: Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images People try to clear volcanic ashes from the streets near Shinmoedake Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters Tonnes of ash produced by the eruption has covered nearby towns and cities including Miyakonojo Photograph: Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images White smoke rises from the crater on Shinmoedake Photograph: AP