Saturday, June 28, 2025
As the summer draws closer, most South Korean travelers are reconsidering visiting Japan after growing speculations about an imminent earthquake set to strike Japan on July 5. It all started with a speculative posting, but the posting has soon turned viral on social media, with everyone questioning if it will be fine for them to visit Japan during the summer. The rumor, from a Japanese comic book, The Future I Saw, has shaken most travelers, with many already having considered planning their trips.
Although the allure of traveling to Japan at the busiest travel season is difficult to deny, with lower air ticket prices available from 100,000 Korean won, many are putting off their travel plans amidst speculations caused by social media debates. One South Korean office worker, preparing for a Japan trip, noted, “It’s the busiest travel season, and the air ticket prices have decreased significantly, but people in my family and acquaintance are recommending that I not travel during the speculations about the earthquake.”
Despite the lure of lower travel costs, the rising fear has also caused some individuals to call off or postpone their travels, with the consequent sudden spike in online debates regarding the properness of proceeding with travel plans. Numerous entries have outlined information regarding emergency readiness, like evacuation centers, fueling the fear in potential tourists.
Earthquake Swarms: What Are They, and Why Are They Worrying Travelers?
A recent series of minor earthquakes, known as “earthquake swarms,” has intensified these fears. These clusters of small tremors, occurring over a short period in a localized area, have been particularly concentrated in the Tokara Islands, near Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan’s southwestern region. Between June 21 and 27, nearly 500 tremors of magnitude 1 or higher were reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey. Of these, 25 quakes exceeded a magnitude of 4, with some even reaching magnitude 5. While these quakes have not caused any significant damage, their frequency has drawn attention and raised alarm among those closely monitoring seismic activity in the region.
The notion of a major earthquake occurring soon has been further amplified by sightings of deep-sea fish, particularly the oarfish, which is a creature steeped in superstition. These long, serpent-like fish, which typically inhabit depths of 400 to 500 meters, have been spotted closer to the surface near Busan, South Korea. These sightings are considered ominous by local fishermen, who believe the fish’s appearance indicates an impending seismic event. This belief stems from folklore, where the appearance of an oarfish is thought to signal the permission of the “Dragon King” of the sea, who governs the oceans and the fate of those who venture into them.
Rumors or Reality? The “July Megaquake” Theory
Adding fuel to the fire, the rumors surrounding the July 5 earthquake are largely traced to the Japanese comic book The Future I Saw, written by Ryo Tatsuki. The artist gained fame in 2011 for allegedly predicting the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. In one of her recent stories, Tatsuki’s depiction of a catastrophic event in Japan is said to occur in July 2025, leading many to draw parallels to the current rise in seismic activity.
However, experts have weighed in on the matter, attempting to separate fact from fiction. Professor Hong Tae-kyung, an expert in earth system science at Yonsei University, weighed in on the situation, stating that while Japan is a tectonically active region with a high risk of earthquakes, it is impossible to predict with certainty when a major earthquake will strike. “Seismic risk is always present, and preparedness is essential,” Hong noted. However, he emphasized that despite the unusual frequency of small quakes in the area, this does not guarantee a large earthquake in the immediate future.
The Nankai Trough Earthquake: An Ever-Present Threat
In Japan, officials have been closely monitoring seismic trends, especially in light of the possibility of a massive earthquake in the Nankai Trough, located off Japan’s southern coast. This region is historically prone to massive earthquakes, with some having reached magnitudes of 8 to 9 in the past. The last significant earthquake in the Nankai region occurred in the 1940s, but the risk remains ever-present.
The Japanese government released a report earlier this year predicting an 80 percent chance of a Nankai earthquake within the next 30 years. The devastating potential of such an event is significant, with estimates suggesting up to 298,000 lives could be lost and extensive damage to infrastructure, according to a March 2025 government report.
Despite these risks, Professor Hong emphasizes that while the occurrence of a Nankai earthquake is highly probable, the precise timing is still unknown. “It’s essential to be prepared now, rather than later,” he advised, urging travelers to take precautions even if the likelihood of a major quake in the near future remains uncertain.
What Travelers Should Know
Travelers planning to visit Japan this summer should consider staying informed about seismic activity and emergency preparedness. While the rumors about an imminent earthquake on July 5 remain unproven, the possibility of a significant seismic event in the future cannot be dismissed. Japan, being located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is always at risk of earthquakes, and visitors should remain aware of the safety measures in place.
Japan’s government and local authorities continuously update earthquake warnings and emergency protocols. It is recommended for travelers to familiarize themselves with local evacuation routes, emergency shelter locations, and safety instructions in case of an earthquake. Additionally, travelers should keep an eye on official news channels for updates on seismic activity.
Despite the heightened anxiety, experts urge that panic should not be the driving factor in making travel decisions. Instead, tourists should focus on preparedness and take necessary steps to ensure their safety in the event of an emergency.
Conclusion
With the season of summer travel approaching, the threat of traveling to Japan with speculations regarding a great earthquake stands imminent. Despite the speculations having created commotion amongst the travel planners, experts believe that although the region is prone to earthquakes, the time and date of the event are not predictable. Travelers planning a trip to Japan are advised to keep updated, be vigilant, and put their safety first by acquainting themselves with the emergency measures of the locality.
References: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of Korea
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