“末日地震”谣言搅动日本，今夏酷暑飓风考验接踵而至

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of a false rumor about a catastrophic earthquake in Japan, which originated from a 1999 manga, and its subsequent effects on tourism and the economy [1][2]. Group 1: Rumor and Its Effects - A rumor about a devastating earthquake in Japan on July 5, 2025, gained traction on social media, leading to significant public concern [1]. - The rumor resulted in a decline in tourism interest from various Asian countries, with an estimated economic loss of 560 billion yen (approximately 25.87 billion yuan) for Japan [2]. Group 2: Official Responses - Japanese government and meteorological agencies quickly debunked the earthquake prediction, emphasizing that earthquakes cannot be accurately predicted [3]. - The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that the minor earthquake that occurred on July 5 was unrelated to the rumor, stating that the region has experienced frequent seismic activity due to volcanic activity [4]. Group 3: Seismic Activity Context - The area near the Tokara Islands has recorded at least 1,329 small earthquakes from June 21 to July 5, with historical data indicating such activity occurs every 3-5 years [5]. - The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a 4.8 magnitude earthquake on July 6, with no tsunami risk associated [5]. Group 4: Broader Natural Disaster Context - Japan faces ongoing risks from various natural disasters, including typhoons and extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change [7]. - The country recently experienced its hottest June on record, with an average temperature 2.34 degrees Celsius above the baseline, and is expected to face prolonged heat this summer [7].