Core Viewpoint - The prediction of a "catastrophic earthquake" in Japan on July 5, 2025, has not materialized, leading to widespread public concern and media attention, despite official reassurances that such predictions lack scientific basis [1][5][11]. Group 1: Public Reaction and Media Coverage - A YouTube live stream of Japan's national earthquake alert attracted nearly 250,000 viewers, reflecting significant public interest in the earthquake prediction [2][4]. - Despite the absence of any major seismic activity, fear and panic spread among the public, leading to increased viewership of earthquake monitoring broadcasts [4][14]. Group 2: Official Responses and Scientific Clarifications - The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) held a press conference to clarify that the earthquake prediction was a rumor and emphasized the inability to predict earthquakes accurately [5][11]. - Experts, including Tokyo University professor Robert Geller, reiterated that predicting the exact time, location, and magnitude of earthquakes remains impossible with current scientific methods [11][13]. Group 3: Economic and Social Impact - The fear of an impending earthquake has led to significant disruptions in the tourism industry, with some travel agencies reporting cancellation rates as high as 80% for trips to Japan [14]. - Panic buying occurred in supermarkets, with sales of emergency supplies surging by 300%, indicating heightened public anxiety [14][17]. Group 4: Preparedness and Awareness - The situation has prompted discussions on disaster preparedness, with the Japan Disaster Prevention Association's "3·7·30 principle" gaining attention, highlighting the need for better disaster readiness among the public [17]. - The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of scientific understanding and rational disaster preparedness over succumbing to rumors [17].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the widespread panic and misinformation surrounding a predicted "catastrophic earthquake" in Japan on July 5, 2025, which has not occurred, emphasizing the importance of scientific understanding and disaster preparedness over belief in rumors [1][4][18]. Summary by Sections Earthquake Prediction and Public Reaction - As of July 5, 2025, no significant earthquake occurred in Japan, with only minor seismic activity reported near the Kagoshima area [1][3]. - A YouTube live stream of Japan's emergency earthquake report attracted nearly 250,000 viewers, reflecting public anxiety about the predicted earthquake [2][3]. Origin of the Rumor - The prediction originated from a manga by Ryosuke Ryu published in 1999, which described a dream about a catastrophic event on July 5, 2025, leading to its interpretation as a "prophecy" due to its vague reference to the 2011 disaster [6][7]. - Ryosuke Ryu clarified in a new book that the date was merely a record of a dream and not an actual prediction of disaster [7]. Official Denials and Scientific Consensus - The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has repeatedly stated that the prediction lacks scientific basis, emphasizing that precise earthquake prediction is currently impossible [9][11]. - Experts, including a retired professor from the University of Tokyo, reiterated that predicting the exact time, location, and magnitude of earthquakes remains beyond current scientific capabilities [11]. Impact on Society and Economy - Despite official denials, panic spread, leading to significant disruptions in tourism, with some travel agencies reporting cancellation rates as high as 80% for trips to Japan [12][13]. - Supermarkets experienced a surge in demand for emergency supplies, with sales of disaster kits increasing by 300%, and unusual crowds at airports were reported [14][15]. Preparedness and Awareness - The article highlights the need for enhanced disaster preparedness, noting that the JMA's earthquake warning system can only provide alerts seconds after an earthquake occurs [16][18]. - The "3·7·30 principle" advocated by Japan's disaster prevention association gained attention, with a 45% increase in sales of emergency kits, indicating a growing awareness of the need for disaster readiness [16][18].