Tokyo: A retired manga series is fuelling panic across Japan, predicting a catastrophic “super-earthquake” and giant tsunami to hit on July 5, even as authorities urge citizens to rely on scientific data, not fictional forecasts.
In the last two weeks, Japan’s remote Tokara Island chain in Kagoshima Prefecture has experienced over 900 earthquakes, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The relentless tremors have left residents sleepless and anxious.
Adding to the fears is a recent major volcanic eruption from a long-dormant volcano in the region, stoking speculation that Japan could face a disaster similar to or worse than the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, which killed over 18,000 people and triggered the Fukushima nuclear crisis.
The panic traces back to a manga first published in 1999, which had notably referenced a “great disaster” in March 2011, eerily aligning with the actual quake and tsunami. Now, fans of the manga claim it predicts an even more devastating tsunami, three times larger than 2011, sweeping across Pacific nations this month.
However, Japanese authorities have firmly dismissed these manga-based predictions, warning instead of more possible strong earthquakes based on seismic activity, but stressing there is no scientific evidence of a coming “super-earthquake” on July 5.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging people to stay calm, follow official advisories, and prepare for aftershocks rather than speculative disasters.
