Volcanic ash can seriously affect air services by causing:   In order to avoid aviation disasters caused by volcanic ash, it is essential to provide related information to airlines, aviation authorities, Meteorological Watch Offices (MWOs) and other relevant organizations. In conjunction with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established a framework for the International Airways Volcano Watch initiative. Under this system, Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) are tasked with monitoring volcanic eruptions and providing information on the extent and movement of volcanic ash clouds as well as outlooks for their regions of responsibility. Within this framework, nine VAACs are designated around the world.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) was designated as the Tokyo VAAC in 1993, and has provided Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAAs) to the above organizations in the East Asia and Northwest Pacific regions since 1997. The Tokyo VAAC has extended its area of responsibility to cover East Asia, the Northwest Pacific region and part of the Arctic Circle.