On Saturday morning, July 5, 2025, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan. The quake occurred at 6:29 AM local time, with a depth of approximately 19 kilometers. No tsunami warning was issued.
The region has experienced over 1,000 seismic events since June 21, 2025, including several significant earthquakes. Following a 5.5-magnitude quake on July 3, 2025, local authorities evacuated residents from Akusekijima Island.
Concerns were amplified by a manga titled "The Future I Saw," which predicted a "major disaster" in July. Despite these concerns, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has emphasized that there is no causal link between the earthquakes and the manga's predictions. The JMA urges the public to rely on scientific information and not be swayed by unfounded rumors.
As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or major damage from Saturday's earthquake. However, vigilance remains high in the area, which continues to experience aftershocks. The situation has also impacted tourism, with reports of decreased travel demand from Hong Kong to Japan.