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Rumors of a Major Earthquake in Japan on July 5, 2025 — Important Information for Travelers Planning a Trip to Japan

• Written by: LIVE JAPAN's editorial team

Date published: 10 June 2025

A rumor predicting a major earthquake in Japan on July 5, 2025, has been gaining traction on social media and video platforms, especially across Asia. As a result, some travelers are reconsidering or canceling their plans.

As an official travel information source, LIVE JAPAN has compiled the latest updates from government and expert organizations to provide clarity on this issue. We encourage travelers to rely on credible sources, remain calm, and feel confident in planning their visit to Japan.

The origin of this rumor traces back to the 1999 manga The Future I Saw by artist Ryo Tatsuki. The manga, centered around prophetic dreams, gained renewed attention for seemingly predicting real-life events—most notably the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Among its pages is a reference to a “catastrophic disaster in Japan on July 5, 2025,” which began circulating widely in screenshot form after the book’s reissue in 2021.

Since late 2024, this claim has gone viral across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Weibo, and RedNote, amplified by influencers seeking clicks with provocative headlines such as “Is this prediction real?” or “Are Japanese people panicking?” In some regions, these posts have fueled public concern, even sparking debates over whether to postpone travel to Japan.

While phenomena like prophetic dreams and predictions remain scientifically unproven, history shows that specific-date disaster forecasts almost never come true. Famous examples include the “end of the world” predicted by the Mayan calendar in 2012 and a rumored earthquake in Rome in 2011—neither of which materialized. Japan, too, has seen various predicted “earthquake days” over the years—1981, 1995, 1997, 2011, and 2015 among them—none of which resulted in any seismic events.

The Mainichi Shimbun has since published a comment from the manga’s author regarding this recent wave of speculation.

So, what are the experts saying?
Here is a summary of the key insights we’ve gathered from trusted sources.

In short, the claim that “a major earthquake will occur on July 5, 2025” is neither scientifically nor officially supported. As of now, there are no warnings or signs of unusual seismic activity.

That said, this does not mean earthquakes won’t happen in Japan. The country lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active zones in the world. While science cannot predict the exact timing, location, or scale of future quakes, long-term risk assessments based on observation and data do exist.

Japan has spent decades strengthening its disaster resilience. From strict earthquake-resistant building standards to early warning systems and widespread public education, it has one of the most advanced disaster-preparedness frameworks in the world.

For international travelers, a basic understanding of safety protocols and a bit of advance preparation can go a long way in ensuring a safe and worry-free visit to Japan.

The spread of the “July 5, 2025 earthquake” rumor reflects both the incredible speed and influence of information in the social media era, as well as the growing public concern around safety. While this is part of an evolving society, history shows that disaster “predictions” rarely come true—and excessive fear can, in fact, become a real source of disruption.

As of now, there are no official alerts, unusual activity reports, or special measures from any government in relation to July 5, 2025. In this context, the best response is to stay calm, verify information through trusted sources, and maintain basic disaster awareness.

LIVE JAPAN remains committed to providing reliable updates and helping travelers experience Japan with peace of mind.

We hope your journey in Japan will be both safe and unforgettable.

Written by:

LIVE JAPAN's editorial team

LIVE JAPAN's editorial team is a multicultural mix of native editors who have lived in Japan for over five years, alongside Japanese editors with a deep passion for travel. We're devoted to sharing the wonders of Japan. From cultural insights and history to events, practical travel tips and coupons, we're here to help make your journey unforgettable!

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