Stay updated with Japan News as the country faces a surge of earthquakes, government warnings, and viral predictions fueling public anxiety. Learn the facts behind recent seismic activity and its global impact.
Japan News Highlights Unprecedented Earthquake Swarm in Tokara Islands
In recent weeks, Japan has been rocked by a wave of earthquakes concentrated in the waters southwest of its main islands. According to Japan News sources, over 900 tremors struck the remote Tokara Islands within two weeks, leaving residents fearful and sleep-deprived. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed that while most quakes were minor, several strong tremors, including a magnitude 5.5 on Thursday and a 5.4 on Saturday, were powerful enough to make standing difficult.
The government has issued warnings about the possibility of more earthquakes but cautioned against believing unfounded predictions of catastrophic events.
Rumors Sparked by Manga Prediction Spread Across Japan News
The surge in seismic activity has revived interest in a 1999 manga titled The Future I Saw. This comic book gained notoriety for its chilling depiction of a “great disaster” in March 2011—eerily similar to the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that year. It now predicts a “deadly earthquake” in July 2025, fueling anxiety nationwide and globally.
Japan News reports that these viral rumors have even impacted tourism. International concerns caused Hong Kong’s May visitor numbers to drop 11% from the previous year. Officials, however, stress that the prediction lacks any scientific basis
Japan News Confirms Official Warnings but Dismisses Speculation
The director of the JMA’s Earthquake and Tsunami Monitoring Division, Ayataka Ebita, urged the people to base their comprehension on scientific data. Ebita emphasized that, with current technology, predicting the exact time, location, or magnitude of earthquakes remains impossible.
Among the most seismically active nations is Japan, which is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire. According to Japan News, it has over 1,500 earthquakes a year and is responsible for almost 20% of all earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater worldwide.
Volcano Activity Adds to Japan News Headlines Amid Quakes
Compounding public fears, a long-dormant volcano erupted in the region recently, adding to speculation about a chain reaction of natural disasters. While no significant damage has been reported so far, local media described the frequency of tremors in Tokara as “highly unusual.”
Some residents have been temporarily evacuated from remote islands near the epicenter as precautionary measures intensify.
Japan Urges Vigilance But Counters Panic Over Predictions
While comforting the public, authorities are nonetheless keeping a careful eye on the situation. “While we must remain vigilant, there is no credible evidence suggesting a mega-earthquake is imminent,” Ebita reiterated.
Despite the unsettling rise in tremors, Japan remains a top tourist destination. In April, the country welcomed a record 3.9 million travelers. Officials hope that accurate reporting and clear communication through channels like Japan News can combat misinformation and maintain public trust.
The Tokara Islands are a remote chain of small volcanic islands located in the southern part of Japan, between Kyushu and Okinawa. Part of Kagoshima Prefecture, this archipelago consists of 12 islands, with only seven inhabited. Known for their rugged terrain, hot springs, and rich biodiversity, the Tokara Islands are a haven for wildlife and marine life. They lie along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, making them prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, often drawing attention in Japan News updates.
