Japan Faces Seismic Activity Surge: Government Urges Calm Amid Quake Fears

Japan is currently experiencing a significant surge in seismic activity, particularly around the Tokara Islands, located southwest of the Kyushu region. Over the past two weeks, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported more than 1,000 earthquakes, including two substantial tremors measuring magnitudes of 5.5 and 5.4. The increase in seismic events has prompted government officials to warn the public about the possibility of further strong earthquakes while advising against reliance on unscientific predictions linked to a 1999 manga, which has influenced public perception and tourism.

The recent earthquakes have raised concerns among residents and the government alike. On June 27, the JMA noted that 474 quakes were recorded in the days prior, with two notable tremors of magnitude 5.1 occurring. Despite the frequency of these earthquakes, there has been no significant infrastructure damage reported. Authorities have, however, taken precautionary measures, including evacuating residents from remote islands to ensure safety.

According to Ayataka Ebita, director of the JMA's earthquake and tsunami monitoring division, "With our current scientific knowledge, it's difficult to predict the exact time, place, or scale of an earthquake." He emphasized the importance of basing understanding on scientific evidence rather than on sensational claims from fictional sources.

The public's anxiety has been exacerbated by the manga titled “The Future I Saw,” which suggests that a major disaster is imminent. This comic, originally published in 1999 and re-released in 2021, has been interpreted by many as a prophetic warning. Ryo Tatsuki, the artist behind the manga, clarified that she does not possess prophetic abilities, stating, "I am not a prophet."

Tourism has also been affected by the recent seismic activity and the ensuing fears. Data shows that tourist arrivals from Hong Kong dropped by 11% in May compared to the previous year, likely influenced by concerns over safety due to the perceived threat of earthquakes. Japan has traditionally been a major tourist destination, boasting record visitor numbers earlier this year, with April seeing 3.9 million travelers.

Japan is situated in one of the most seismically active regions in the world, accounting for approximately one-fifth of all earthquakes worldwide with a magnitude of 6 or greater. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, and local authorities are reinforcing public safety measures while promoting a calm response to the recent seismic activities.

The JMA and other experts are urging the public to remain vigilant but not to panic, underscoring that while earthquakes are a natural occurrence in Japan, the actual prediction of their timing and intensity remains elusive. As Japan navigates these challenges, the implications for tourism and public safety remain significant, warranting ongoing attention and preparedness for the future.