VRC promotes researches for prediction of volcanic eruptions to elucidate elementary processes and fundamental principles of various phenomena of volcanoes. We hold observatories and a laboratory in Asama, Kirishima, and Izu-Oshima, and permanent networks in Mt. Fuji and Miyakejima. High-quality networks were established in Izu-Oshima and Asama volcanoes recently. We conduct the projects of the National Program for the Prediction of Volcanic Eruptions, volcano structure exploration and extensive observation at volcanoes, applying the Committee for Eruption Prediction Research in ERI and the visiting professor system.

We conducted the geophysical exploration of volcanic structure of Mt. Fuji in 2002 and 2003, and the comprehensive study during 2001-2003. In the latter, scientific drilling was performed on the northeastern slope and geophysical instruments were installed in bore holes. The internal structure, such as the oldest buried volcanic body, and the geologic history became clearer.

The joint research was conducted in Miyakejima that started eruption in June 2000. Models on magma's lateral migration, the summit subsidence, and aquifer recovery were proposed. Another joint research was organized in Asama that began eruption in September 2004. Precursory long-period seismic signals occurred before eruption, and major explosion earthquakes were dominated by the vertical single force component. The magnitude of each explosion was <5x10⁷ kg, and the magma chemistry was uniform these several thousand years.

Scientific drilling was performed jointly with ICDP in Unzen during 2003-4 to understand eruption mechanisms. Geologic research on the ruin probably of Augustus on the northern slope of Mt. Vesuvius, Italy, was carried out to know the buried process in volcanological point of view.