Core Viewpoint - A rumor about a catastrophic earthquake in Japan on July 5 has spread widely on social media, leading to cancellations of travel plans by foreign tourists and impacting Japan's tourism industry. The Japanese government and experts have refuted this rumor, stating it lacks scientific basis [1][3][10]. Impact on Tourism Industry - The rumor has caused a significant decline in foreign tourist arrivals, prompting some airlines to reduce flight frequencies to Japan due to decreased demand [3]. - Many tourists, particularly from the United States, have expressed concerns based on the rumor but some remain skeptical and choose to continue their travel plans [5][7]. Government and Expert Responses - The Japan Meteorological Agency has labeled the earthquake prediction as a scam, emphasizing that current scientific capabilities do not allow for accurate earthquake predictions regarding time, location, and magnitude [8][11][13]. - Experts, including a retired professor from the University of Tokyo, have stated that there is no scientific evidence supporting the earthquake prediction, reinforcing the idea that such predictions are not feasible with current technology [14][16]. Recent Seismic Activity and Weather Conditions - From June 21 to July 2, there were 911 recorded earthquakes in the vicinity of the Tokara Islands, indicating ongoing seismic activity in the region [18]. - Additionally, Japan experienced its hottest June on record, with an average temperature 2.34 degrees Celsius above the baseline, and is expected to face prolonged high temperatures throughout the summer [18]. Safety Reminders for Residents and Tourists - The Chinese Embassy in Japan has issued reminders for citizens and tourists to be aware of natural disaster risks, urging them to stay informed about seismic and weather alerts and to take necessary precautions [19].
日本今日有毁灭性大地震?日本政府回应
新浪财经·2025-07-05 01:54