Seismic Concerns Grow in Southwestern Japan
Officials urge the public to focus on scientific data, not unverified disaster predictions.
- A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Kyushu last Thursday.
- Over 1,000 tremors have been recorded in Kagoshima Prefecture in two weeks.
- The government advises against believing unscientific predictions, including those from a manga.
Japan is on edge. **What is the country’s government warning about after the recent earthquake near Kyushu?** Following a magnitude 5.5 quake off the southern tip of Kyushu last Thursday, the Japanese government has issued a warning about the possibility of more strong earthquakes near the southwestern waters of its main islands.
Heightened Alert After Recent Tremors
The recent tremor was powerful enough to cause disruptions and trigger evacuations from remote islands near the epicenter. Kagoshima Prefecture has been particularly active; the region has recorded over 1,000 tremors in the past two weeks. The earth feels restless.
Public Urged to Trust Science, Not Speculation
Amid growing anxiety, authorities are actively combating the spread of unverified disaster predictions. This includes discouraging belief in predictions stemming from a decades-old manga comic that has recently resurfaced online.
Ayataka Ebita, Director of the Earthquake and Tsunami Monitoring Division at the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), addressed the public’s concerns during a press conference on Saturday. “We call on the public to understand the situation based on scientific evidence,” Ebita stated.
Manga Comic Fuels Online Speculation
Recent speculation gained traction from claims linked to Ryo Tatsuki’s 1999 manga, *The Future I Saw*. The comic, which was reprinted in 2021, captured widespread attention after some readers interpreted it as forecasting a major disaster set to strike Japan on Saturday. The claims spread like wildfire online.
The publisher responded to the surge in concern with a clarifying statement, emphasizing that Tatsuki does not consider herself a prophet. The line between fiction and reality blurred for some.
Official Stance: Focus on Verified Information
Officials have reiterated that while they are closely monitoring seismic activity in the region, the public should prioritize verified information over rumors or fictional narratives. Authorities are taking a proactive approach to address the increase in public concern. The region will remain vigilant.
