Kagoshima, Japan — Authorities in Japan issued warnings over the weekend regarding the potential for additional strong earthquakes in the waters southwest of the nation’s main islands. The government urged citizens to disregard unfounded disaster predictions, particularly those stemming from a popular manga, which has sparked widespread concern.

On Friday, residents from remote islands near the 5.5-magnitude quake’s epicenter were evacuated following tremors felt off the southernmost main island of Kyushu. This quake was part of a surge in seismic activity, with over 1,000 quakes recorded in the Kagoshima prefecture in just two weeks, prompting anxiety and speculation among the local population.

Ayataka Ebita, who oversees earthquake and tsunami monitoring for the Japan Meteorological Agency, emphasized the challenge in predicting seismic events. During a press conference, Ebita stated that current scientific methods do not allow for accurate forecasts regarding the timing, location, or intensity of earthquakes. He urged the public to focus on scientific evidence rather than sensational claims.

The manga in question, “The Future I Saw,” has been interpreted by some as foretelling a significant disaster. Its influence has caused a noticeable drop in tourism as travelers, particularly from Hong Kong, reconsider their plans. May saw an 11% decrease in arrivals from the region compared to the same month last year, reflecting concerns fueled by the rumors.

Despite these fears, Japan has experienced a record influx of visitors throughout the year, including a peak of 3.9 million travelers in April alone. Ryo Tatsuki, the artist behind the manga, dismissed claims of prophetic abilities, asserting in a statement that she does not foresee disasters and intended no harm with her work.

Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Japan, a country situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is known for its seismic activity. Historically, Japan experiences about one-fifth of the world’s earthquakes measuring 6.0 or higher on the Richter scale. As the nation grapples with recent seismic events, officials remain committed to educating the public and fostering a greater understanding of earthquake preparedness rather than succumbing to fear-driven narratives.