A false rumor about a major disaster occurring on July 5th, which spread due to a manga based on a dream the author had, has caused confusion and panic, especially in tourist areas. This has led to cancellations and a decrease in visitors to some regions.

Rumors and Their Impact:

The rumor began with a manga stating that a massive disaster would occur on July 5, 2025, based on the author's dream. The manga has been translated into Chinese and Korean, and it gained attention on social media, further spreading the claim that a major earthquake would happen on July 5. This rumor stirred unease, with some people mentioning fears of a South Nankai Trench earthquake, especially after a recent earthquake near the Tokara Islands.

Tourism Impact in Kagoshima:

The rumors affected tourism, particularly in Kagoshima, where hotel bookings were canceled by group travelers from Hong Kong. Additionally, rumors of earthquakes and eruptions, combined with flight cancellations due to the eruption of Shinmoedake, have caused concerns about a potential decline in tourism. An estimate suggested that the false rumors could lead to a ¥560 billion drop in inbound tourism demand.

Government Response:

The Japan Meteorological Agency denied the connection between the rumors and actual seismic activity, urging people to rely on scientifically verified information. They emphasized that no major earthquakes or disasters were predicted for July 5.

New Disaster Prevention Policy:

In response to natural disasters, the Japanese government has introduced a new disaster prevention policy aimed at reducing the number of fatalities from the South Nankai Trench earthquake by 80% within the next decade. The policy also aims to reduce the number of collapsed and burned buildings by about 50%. One key aspect of the plan focuses on eliminating dangerous, densely packed urban areas, particularly in regions like Osaka, Kanagawa, and Yokohama.

Challenges in Yokohama’s Disaster Preparedness:

Yokohama's Hasegawa district, known for its narrow streets and wooden houses, faces difficulties in disaster preparedness. In case of an earthquake, narrow roads could become blocked by debris, hindering evacuation routes. The city has been working on widening roads and making other changes to improve emergency vehicle access, though residents have shown resistance to these measures. Despite challenges, the city aims to reduce the risk of fire spread during earthquakes and improve overall safety in the area by 2030.