Head of Japan's Meteorological Agency Denies Earthquake Rumors

• The head of the meteorological agency denied false information about an earthquake.
• The rumors caused panic, flight cancellations, and a reduction in tourism services.
• The importance of preparedness for potential earthquakes in Japan was emphasized.

This was reported by Associated Press, Asharq Al-Awsat.

Earthquake Rumors in Japan

The head of Japan's meteorological agency, Ryoichi Nomura, on Friday denied rumors of a possible major earthquake in the summer of 2025, calling them "unscientific" and "a hoax." He urged people not to panic, as even the most advanced science cannot predict the exact time, place, or magnitude of an earthquake.

Causes of Panic

The rumors, which originated in Hong Kong and other Asian cities, led to flight cancellations and a reduction in tourism services. Nomura noted that it is "unfortunate" that many people have fallen victim to misinformation, although he understands the anxiety caused by invisible threats.

Origin of the Rumors

The rumors stemmed from a 2022 Japanese comic titled "The Future I Saw," which features a dream predicting a tsunami. This information spread through social media, mainly in Hong Kong.

Scientific Context

Japan, located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the likelihood of a megathrust earthquake along Japan's Pacific coast. The government organized a week of awareness-raising, but this only led to panic buying and beach closures.

Call for Preparedness

Nomura emphasized the importance of scientific awareness but also stressed the need for preparedness for potential earthquakes. "In Japan, an earthquake can occur at any time and in any place," he said, urging people to take measures for their safety.

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