Japan’s Akuseki: Earthquakes, Prophecies and Japan’s Mega Quake Warning

Japan’s Akuseki: Earthquakes, Prophecies and Japan’s Mega Quake Warning

KAKALI DAS

Akuseki is a very small island in southern Japan. Only 89 people live there. But for the last two weeks, the island has been shaken by more than 1,000 earthquakes.

On July 3, a strong earthquake hit the island again, measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale. Because of this, local officials asked people to leave their homes for a short time and go to a safe open place.

Luckily, no big damage was reported. But experts warn the ground is still unstable, and the danger has not passed.

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.

Every year, about 1,500 earthquakes happen in Japan. This is because Japan lies on several tectonic plates, the large slabs of Earth’s crust that move and cause earthquakes. Japan is on four major plates, and where these plates meet, there is a lot of shaking.

Akuseki Island is part of the Tokara island chain in southern Japan. It is a peaceful, quiet place most of the time. But now, with so many earthquakes in a short period, the island’s calm is broken.

The local authorities took safety seriously. They told residents to evacuate to a nearby school playground. This was because it is an open space, far from buildings and the sea, making it safer in case of landslides or building collapse. After checking everyone was safe and there was no major damage, the evacuation order was lifted.

Officials said this time, there is no risk of a tsunami. But they warned people to stay alert because the ground remains shaky. Houses could collapse, and landslides might happen if the earthquakes continue.

Akuseki is not the only island in the Tokara chain. There are seven inhabited islands in total, with around 700 people living across them. This area has seen earthquake swarms before, many small quakes happening over days or weeks. But the current activity is much bigger than usual.

For example, in 2023, there were 346 earthquakes recorded here. But now, more than 1,000 have hit in less than a month. That is a big increase and a sign that the Earth’s plates beneath the island are very active.

Japan has painful memories of past disasters caused by earthquakes. The worst in recent history was the 9.0 magnitude earthquake in 2011 in northern Japan. That quake triggered a massive tsunami, killing nearly 18,500 people or leaving them missing.

The tsunami also caused a nuclear accident at Fukushima, where radiation leaked from damaged power plants. That disaster is still a big concern in Japan and around the world.

Because of these tragedies, the Japanese government and experts watch earthquakes closely and prepare for future disasters.

Japan’s government recently warned about a very big earthquake that might happen in the next 30 years. It could hit the Nangai trough, a deep underwater area in the southern seas of Japan.

Experts say this “mega quake” could be extremely dangerous. It might kill as many as 298,000 people and cause damages costing up to 2 trillion dollars. This is a serious threat that Japan is trying to prepare for.

Fear and Rumors Spread After Manga Prophecy

Alongside real warnings from scientists, many people in Japan are also scared because of a prophecy from a manga (Japanese comic) published in 1999.

The manga Is called “Watashigamitamirai” or “The Future I Saw.” It was written by artist Ryo Tatsuki. The story predicted a big earthquake and tsunami hitting Japan and the Philippines in July. This prediction has gone viral online, making many people anxious about what might happen soon.

What makes this manga especially scary for some is that it also “predicted” two real events:

• The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
• The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

Because of these past predictions, many believe the manga’s next prediction, a disaster on July 5, 2025, could come true. This has caused some people to cancel their travel plans to Japan and spread fear across the country and even in East Asia.

Ryo Tatsuki has tried to calm people by saying she is not a prophet and that everyone should interpret the story in their own way. She wants people to take safety seriously but not panic.

Why Is July 5, 2025, Causing Panic?

The date July 5 has become a focus of fear because of the manga’s prediction of a huge earthquake and tsunami hitting Japan. Even though experts and the government say this is not a sure thing, many people online are worried.

Japan is well prepared for earthquakes, with strong buildings, warning systems, and drills. But the thought of a mega quake is frightening because such an event could be far bigger than anything experienced before.

Is Japan prepared?

Japan has one of the best systems in the world to deal with earthquakes. There are early warning alerts, strict building codes, and emergency services ready to respond.

Still, the country knows it cannot prevent earthquakes. It can only prepare to reduce damage and save lives.

The recent earthquakes in Akuseki are like a test for Japan’s emergency plans. People there are watching carefully to see if more quakes will come or if the situation will calm down.

Future of Akuseki and Japan

The small island of Akuseki, with just 89 residents, shows how Japan’s many communities face constant earthquake risk. The people there have already been through a frightening time with thousands of tremors shaking their homes.

Japan as a whole faces a bigger challenge, a potential mega quake that could strike within the next 30 years. Scientists are working hard to predict when and where this might happen and how to prepare.

Meanwhile, rumors and stories like the manga prophecy add to public anxiety. But experts remind everyone to stay calm, follow safety advice, and be ready for emergencies.

The ground may still tremble under Akuseki, but the spirit of its people and the strength of Japan’s safety systems remain firm. Only time will tell what comes next, but Japan’s history and preparation give hope that the country can face whatever earthquake lies ahead.

04-07-2025

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