Mount Tokachi in Hokkaido, northernmost Japan, experienced a small volcanic eruption on Wednesday, the first since 2004.

The regional headquarters of the Japan Meteorological Agency in Sapporo, citing NHK, reported observing black smoke rising 200 meters into the air from a crater about one kilometer northwest of the mountain's summit at 11:07 a.m. local time.

The agency reported volcanic tremors lasting about 45 seconds, but it has not yet confirmed any major volcanic ejecta.

Japanese authorities raised the alert level for Mount Tokachi to Level 2 last month following increased seismic activity around the crater.

Japan Meteorological Agency officials announced they would maintain the alert level at Level 2, warning of the possibility of further small eruptions in the near future.