Japan warns of possible earthquakes

Japan's government cautions about potential strong earthquakes but dismisses alarmist forecasts.

Japan warns of quake risks while rejecting doomsday predictions

Japan's government warned potential strong earthquakes could strike in the waters southwest of its main islands. Officials urged the public not to trust unfounded predictions of a major disaster, particularly those stemming from a manga. Following a 5.5-magnitude quake, which prompted evacuations of some residents in the Kagoshima prefecture, authorities emphasized that scientific knowledge limits the ability to predict precise earthquakes. The rumors have already led to a decline in visitors from Hong Kong, where the predictions gained traction.

This recent earthquake scare highlights the tension between scientific understanding and public perception influenced by media. Despite Japan experiencing record tourism this year, baseless claims can have real-world consequences, such as reduced travel. The government’s attempt to calm fears illustrates the ongoing challenge of managing public reaction during natural events, especially when fueled by popular culture.

Highlights

The balance between scientific evidence and public fear remains a delicate issue in Japan.