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July 5 Megaquake Prediction Fails to Materialize, Travel Demand Cools

The Japan Meteorological Agency is emphasizing the limits of current science in response to recent tremors, island evacuations, tourism disruptions

A sales banner written by the store reading 'Whether you believe it or not is up to you' is displayed next to the comic book titled 'The Future I saw', authored by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, on the shelf at the book store Village Vanguard in Tokyo, Japan June 30, 2025. REUTERS/Issei Kato
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Overview

  • The July 5 date passed with no megaquake occurring, dispelling the Ryo Tatsuki manga prophecy.
  • Travel demand to southern Japan remains subdued after social media-driven fears led to flight cancellations by carriers such as Greater Bay Airlines.
  • More than 1,000 tremors hit Kagoshima Prefecture and a 5.5-magnitude quake off Kyushu prompted evacuations on nearby islands.
  • Japan Meteorological Agency director Ayataka Ebita underscored that exact earthquake timing, location and magnitude remain beyond current scientific capabilities.
  • Officials note that decades of preparedness planning remain crucial given an official 80% probability of a Nankai Trough megaquake within 30 years.