TOKYO, Sept. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- Mt. Asama in central Japan erupted for the second time in a week Wednesday, the country's Meteorological Agency said.

    There were no immediate reports of injuries from the 12:17 p.m.(0317 GMT) eruption, which is thought to be medium in scale and smaller than the September 23 eruption.

    The 2,568-meter volcano, which straddles Gunma and Nagano prefectures, has continued to produce minor eruptions since large eruptions on September 1.

    The weather station in Karuizawa observed the sound of an explosion, the agency said.

    A minor volcanic earthquake was recorded in Miyota, a town about 13 kilometers from Mt. Asama.

    The agency warned of ash falling in downwind areas and has maintained its activity estimate for the volcano at 3 on a scale of 6. Enditem