1,000 earthquakes rock Japan in 15 days; 1999 manga prediction of major quake on July 5 sparks panic
PTC Web Desk: As Japan reels from a surge in seismic activity, with over 1,000 earthquakes rattling the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture in the past two weeks, public anxiety has intensified due to a viral manga prediction foretelling a major quake on July 5. The eerie coincidence between the tremors and a 1999 comic by artist Ryo Tatsuki has sparked widespread speculation, although the Japanese authorities continue to urge citizens to rely on scientific evidence rather than fictional forecasts.
Notably, more than 1,000 tremors have struck the Tokara Islands in southern Japan over the past fortnight, with a powerful 5.5 magnitude quake on July 3 leaving residents struggling to remain on their feet. In response, the Japanese government issued warnings about the likelihood of further seismic activity southwest of the islands and initiated evacuations for residents living near the epicentre.
The affected area comprises a chain of 12 remote islands, with about 700 residents spread across seven inhabited ones. Some islands lack immediate access to medical facilities, making emergency response a major concern. While minor quakes are not new to the region, local media and residents have noted the unusual frequency of recent tremors.
One local described the moments before the quake as "eerie," recalling strange oceanic roars heard during the night — a phenomenon adding to the growing unease.
Public anxiety has been further amplified by the resurfacing of a 1999 comic book by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki. The comic — which gained renewed attention with a 2021 reprint — contains a fictional prediction that a major earthquake would strike Japan on July 5, 2025. This coincidence has prompted some travellers to cancel plans, with a reported 11% drop in arrivals from Hong Kong in May compared to the previous year.
However, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has strongly advised against believing such claims. Ayataka Ebita, the agency's earthquake and tsunami monitoring director, stated that science does not currently allow for precise forecasting of earthquake timing, location, or magnitude. He urged the public to rely on verified data rather than speculation or fictional works.
Meanwhile, manga artist Ryo Tatsuki has denied having any prophetic abilities. Through her publisher, she clarified that her work is purely creative fiction and not based on scientific insights.
To mitigate risks, the Japanese government has announced the construction of new embankments, designated evacuation buildings, and other infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness in the region.
- With inputs from agencies
