A 5.5-magnitude earthquake shook southwestern Japan on Thursday, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported.
The quake occurred off the coast of the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, around 1,200 kilometres from Tokyo. Authorities confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued following the tremor.
A seismic intensity of ‘6-lower’ on Japan’s 7-point scale was recorded on Akuseki Island, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Meanwhile, a chilling prediction by Japanese manga artist Ryo Tatsuki has stirred unease across the country. Often referred to as the “New Baba Vanga” of Japan, Tatsuki had foretold in her 2021 manga The Future I Saw that a major disaster would occur on July 5, 2025. While the manga does not specify the nature of the disaster, the forecast is drawing widespread attention—especially given her track record of eerily accurate past predictions.
New Megaquake Prediction Sparks Viral Rumours, Tourist Anxiety
Panic spreads quickly in the digital age. A manga comic, reissued in 2021, has gone viral for predicting a major disaster on July 5, 2025. The ominous date has taken hold online, fuelling speculation and anxiety.
The impact has been real—some foreign tourists are now reconsidering their travel plans to Japan this summer. In May, Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Airlines cut back on flights to Japan, citing a “rapid decrease in demand,” according to a local tourism official speaking to AFP.
Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai has responded to the growing speculation, urging the public not to give in to unfounded rumours. He stated, “There’s no need for concern—Japanese citizens aren’t leaving the country… I encourage people to ignore these rumours and continue visiting.”
Despite these reassurances, the prediction continues to trend on social media, with hashtags like #July5Disaster gaining traction. Users are speculating about various potential events, from major earthquakes to cyberattacks, which is adding to the growing sense of unease. The rising anxiety has even led to a drop in demand, according to a local tourism official quoted by AFP.
Japanese officials maintain that a megaquake is not a question of if, but when. They stress that calm minds, clear preparedness, and strong community coordination can help mitigate the worst impacts. The rest, they say, depends on nature—and how ready people are when the earth shakes again.