The inter-congress meeting of the INQUA International Focus Group on Tephrochronology and Volcanism (INTAV) will be held in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, South Kyushu, JAPAN, May 9-17, 2010. This international field conference and workshop maintains the long tradition of very successful inter-INQUA tephra meetings held previously by SCOTAV (including in the USA, New Zealand, France and Canada) over the past 20 years. The next inter-congress meeting, entitled "Active Tephra in Kyushu, 2010" facilitates not only an opportunity for the presentation and discussion of the latest advances in tephra studies, but also provides an exceptional insight into the interactive history of volcanism, human activity and palaeoenvironment, and Kyushu Island is an ideal location for this purpose. The conference venue, the small city of Kirishima, lies adjacent to a beautiful national park and is known for its active volcanoes, volcanic lakes, and hot springs. The currently active volcano of Sakurajima is nearby. The organizing committee warmly invites colleagues and friends around the world to join us and attend the field conference and workshop in May, 2010.