Japan’s government issued a renewed warning on Saturday about the possibility of more strong earthquakes in the waters southwest of its main islands, particularly around the southernmost main island of Kyushu. The alerts come in the wake of a 5.5-magnitude quake that struck offshore on Thursday, causing enough tremors to make standing difficult in some areas. The quake was centered near the islands of Kagoshima Prefecture, which has recorded more than 1,000 seismic events in the past two weeks.

These frequent quakes have not only alarmed residents but also triggered a wave of speculation and fear across the nation, especially as sensational rumors about a supposed “predicted” disaster circulate widely online and in some media.

Evacuations and Preparedness Measures

In response to the recent seismic activity, authorities evacuated some residents from isolated islands in the region. These precautionary measures were taken due to the intensity and frequency of the quakes, although no catastrophic damage has been reported so far. Japan’s disaster readiness protocol is among the most advanced in the world, and local governments have been proactive in ensuring that communities at risk are prepared and informed.

The government has emphasized that these actions are standard procedures in response to the elevated earthquake activity and should not be seen as signs of an impending large-scale disaster.

Authorities Counter Online Rumors and Misinformation

Fueling public anxiety is a rumor based on an interpretation of a Japanese manga titled The Future I Saw by Ryo Tatsuki. The comic book, which was originally published in 1999 and reissued in 2021, is believed by some to predict a major disaster in Japan during this month. As the speculation spread, especially in online forums and social media platforms, concerns grew despite a lack of scientific basis.

Ayataka Ebita, director of the earthquake and tsunami monitoring division at the Japan Meteorological Agency, addressed the public during a press conference on Saturday. He reiterated that there is no scientific method available to precisely predict the time, location, or magnitude of an earthquake. Ebita urged people to rely on verified information and scientific data rather than unverified predictions or rumors.

“We ask that people base their understanding on scientific evidence,” said Ebita, following a 5.4-magnitude quake that shook the region again on Saturday.

Impact on Tourism and Public Perception

The wave of fear generated by the rumors has had a noticeable effect on tourism, particularly among travelers from Hong Kong. Data from recent months show that arrivals from Hong Kong in May fell by 11% compared to the same month the previous year. Analysts believe that the spread of the manga-based prediction contributed significantly to this decline.

Despite the drop from certain markets, Japan is still enjoying a strong tourism year overall. April saw a record-breaking 3.9 million visitors, making it the highest monthly total ever recorded in the country. This demonstrates the resilience of Japan’s tourism sector, though officials remain concerned about how misinformation could affect future visitor numbers and the broader perception of safety in the country.

Author Distances Herself from Prophecy Claims

Ryo Tatsuki, the manga artist whose work is at the center of the recent rumors, has issued a statement through her publisher clarifying that she never intended her work to be seen as a prophecy. “I am not a prophet,” Tatsuki said, distancing herself from any claims that her manga predicts real-world disasters. The fictional nature of her comic has been confirmed repeatedly, but some readers continue to make speculative interpretations, fueling unnecessary panic.

Japan’s Vulnerability to Earthquakes

As one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, Japan is no stranger to seismic activity. The nation lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where multiple tectonic plates meet and frequently shift. Japan accounts for roughly one-fifth of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher. The country has invested heavily in earthquake preparedness, including stringent building codes, advanced early warning systems, and comprehensive public education programs.

While the recent uptick in activity around Kyushu is cause for vigilance, experts continue to monitor the situation using the latest scientific tools and methodologies. The public is advised to stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading or acting on unverified information.

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