Kagoshima, Japan — Japanese officials on Saturday issued warnings about the likelihood of strong earthquakes in the waters southwest of the country’s main islands, while urging the public to dismiss unsubstantiated predictions of a significant disaster.
Following a 5.5-magnitude earthquake that rattled the region on Thursday, authorities took precautionary measures by evacuating some residents from remote islands near the quake’s epicenter, located off the southern tip of Kyushu. This quake was part of a series of seismic events, with over 1,000 tremors detected in Kagoshima Prefecture over the last two weeks.
Ayataka Ebita, director of the earthquake and tsunami monitoring division at the Japan Meteorological Agency, highlighted the unpredictability of seismic activity. “With our current scientific knowledge, it’s difficult to predict the exact time, location, or intensity of an earthquake,” he stated at a press conference. Ebita emphasized the importance of relying on scientific evidence rather than rumors or speculative predictions.
The rise in seismic activity has been fueled by a manga, or comic book, that some interpret as foreseeing a catastrophic event this month. The misinformation has led to unease, particularly among travelers. Data shows an 11% drop in arrivals from Hong Kong in May compared to the same month last year, as fears surrounding this alleged disaster influenced travel decisions.
Despite this anxiety, Japan is experiencing a historic surge in tourism, with record numbers of visitors in recent months. April alone saw an impressive 3.9 million travelers arrive, marking a monthly high for the nation.
Ryo Tatsuki, the creator of “The Future I Saw,” a manga first published in 1999 and re-released in 2021, responded to the growing concerns surrounding her work. In a statement issued through her publisher, she clarified, “I am not a prophet,” distancing herself from the interpretations drawn from her artwork.
Earthquakes are a familiar occurrence in Japan, a region situated within one of the most seismically active zones globally. In fact, the country experiences about one-fifth of the world’s earthquakes measuring magnitude 6 or higher. This reality reinforces the need for public awareness and preparedness, as officials strive to educate residents and visitors on understanding seismic risks.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the region. They urge people to remain calm yet prepared, emphasizing the reliance on scientific approaches to assess earthquake threats rather than speculative forecasts.