TOKYO, Japan – Japan is currently navigating a complex period marked by significant natural phenomena and the unsettling influence of a popular prophecy. The nation is grappling with a recent volcanic eruption, a persistent swarm of earthquakes, and a noticeable impact on its crucial tourism industry, with Japanese media widely reporting on these interconnected events.
Mount Shinmoedake’s Explosive Return
As reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and extensively covered by Japanese outlets like NHK and The Mainichi, Mount Shinmoedake on the island of Kyushu erupted dramatically on Wednesday evening. The eruption, the largest since 2018, sent a towering ash plume over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) into the sky. The JMA had already raised the volcanic alert level to 3 on June 27, signaling increased activity, and has warned of potential pyroclastic flows and falling rocks within a 3-kilometer radius.
Local reports indicate ashfall across parts of Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, prompting advisories for residents to stay indoors and avoid the mountain.
Relentless Seismic Activity in Kyushu
Concurrent with the volcanic activity, Kagoshima Prefecture, particularly around the Tokara Islands, has been experiencing an unusual and intense swarm of earthquakes. Over the past two weeks, more than 1,000 tremors, ranging in magnitude, have been recorded, a frequency that local media, including The Asahi Shimbun, have described as “unusual.” On Friday morning, authorities initiated evacuations from some of the remote islands following a 5.5-magnitude earthquake that was felt with an intensity of “6-lower” on Japan’s 7-point seismic scale on Akuseki Island. The JMA continues to monitor the seismic activity closely, urging residents to remain vigilant for further tremors.
The Ryo Tatsuki Prophecy and its Economic Ripple Effect
Adding a unique dimension to the current situation is the widespread discussion surrounding the predictions of manga artist Ryo Tatsuki. Her 1999 manga, “The Future I Saw” (Watashi ga Mita Mirai), which was re-released in 2021, has gained renewed viral attention for its alleged prophecy of a major disaster around July 5, 2025. While Tatsuki herself, through her publisher Asuka Shinsha, has stated she is “not a prophet” and urged people not to place excessive belief in her dreams, the speculation has had a tangible impact.
Japanese tourism figures, as reported by outlets like Bloomberg and The Economic Times, show a decline in inbound visitors since May, following a strong April where Japan welcomed 3.9 million tourists. Airlines, including some Hong Kong-based carriers, have reportedly reduced flights to Japan due to a significant drop in bookings, with some reporting a 30-50% decrease in demand for July. Local tourism officials and prefectural governors, such as Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai, have been widely quoted in Japanese media urging people to disregard the rumors and continue their travel plans, emphasizing that Japan remains safe.
Government’s Stance and Preparedness Efforts.
In response to the combined natural events and the public anxiety, the Japanese government and the JMA have repeatedly stressed that there is no scientific basis for predicting the exact timing and location of earthquakes. They have urged the public to rely on official information and remain prepared for potential disasters, a message widely disseminated through public broadcasters like NHK. Despite the lack of scientific backing for Tatsuki’s specific prediction, the heightened public awareness has, in some ways, led to increased disaster preparedness, particularly in coastal areas.
As Japan navigates these challenges, authorities continue to prioritize public safety, providing real-time updates and maintaining high vigilance across the affected regions.
