Saturday, July 5, 2025

Japan has issued a new travel alert following the powerful eruption of the Shinmoedake volcano in Kyushu, which sent a massive ash plume into the sky and was accompanied by a swarm of earthquakes, including a magnitude-5.5 tremor near the Tokara Islands. The volcanic activity has disrupted flights, blanketed towns in ash, and triggered heightened safety warnings across the region. Adding to public anxiety is the resurgence of an eerie 1999 prophecy by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, which predicted a major disaster around this time, fueling a wave of online panic and sudden drops in tourist bookings.

Japan has entered a heightened state of vigilance after the powerful Shinmoedake volcano—part of the Kirishima volcanic chain in Kyushu—erupted violently on the afternoon of Thursday, July 3, 2025. The eruption sent a dense ash column soaring nearly 6.7 kilometers (22,000 feet) into the sky, marking the most significant volcanic activity in the region since 2018. The sudden blast has reignited geological concerns and sparked a media firestorm, partly fueled by an eerie decades-old prophecy that has gained traction online.

The Shinmoedake eruption occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time, spewing vast amounts of volcanic ash across southern Japan. Nestled between Japan’s Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, Shinmoedake stands as one of the most volatile and powerful volcanic vents within the formidable Kirishima mountain range. This latest eruption follows a minor volcanic tremor on June 22, which had already hinted at increased underground movement after a seven-year period of inactivity.

Just days earlier, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) had issued a warning and raised the volcano’s alert status to Level 3—meaning no entry is allowed near the crater—due to intensified seismic signals. Over 1,000 tremors had been recorded in the vicinity along with a 5.5-magnitude earthquake near the Tokara Islands earlier on the same day, suggesting significant subterranean unrest.

Ashfall has been reported across several towns in the Miyazaki and Kagoshima regions, where streets, rooftops, and vehicles were quickly covered in gray volcanic residue. Local authorities have urgently instructed residents to remain indoors, tightly secure all windows and doors, and refrain from any non-essential movement to ensure maximum safety amid the unfolding volcanic threat. Schools in the ash-affected areas were temporarily closed, and emergency services were deployed to assist vulnerable populations.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a strong advisory, cautioning that further eruptions are likely, with the potential for dangerous pyroclastic flows and rock fragments to impact areas within a 3.2-kilometer (two-mile) radius around the Shinmoedake crater. Travelers have been urged to exercise caution, especially those near mountain trails and remote areas surrounding the volcano.

The eruption has also disrupted air travel in parts of southern Japan. Several domestic flights were either canceled or delayed due to poor visibility and ash particles posing a risk to aircraft engines. Nearby airports remain operational but are closely monitoring wind patterns and ash dispersion.

Simultaneously, Japan’s tourism sector, already under pressure from the lingering aftereffects of past disasters and global economic uncertainties, faces a new challenge: a steep dip in tourist bookings. This sudden slump isn’t solely due to the volcanic event—it has been amplified by a peculiar and viral phenomenon.

The eruption has rekindled public fascination with a mysterious prediction made by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki in his cult-favorite book The Future I Saw. Originally published in 1999, the manga documents a series of “prophetic dreams” said to foresee global events. One particular vision allegedly marked June 5, 2025, as a date for a catastrophic natural disaster in Japan.

Though that date has already passed without incident, the eruption of Shinmoedake so close to the prediction date has stirred social media speculation, especially among younger audiences familiar with Japanese pop culture. Tatsuki, who has long distanced himself from literal interpretations of his work, released a statement urging calm and cautioning against misinformation.

Nonetheless, the resurfacing of this prophecy has gone viral, with thousands sharing images from the book alongside footage of the volcanic eruption. Tourism data shows a sharp drop in new flight bookings and hotel reservations across Japan, particularly from countries like South Korea, China, and Taiwan, where the manga’s influence is also strong.

In light of the ongoing panic, Japanese authorities have emphasized the importance of relying on scientific data over superstition. The Japan Meteorological Agency, along with disaster management officials, held a press conference stating that the volcanic eruption was a result of natural geological processes and not linked to any supernatural causes or unscientific predictions.

Officials reassured the public that robust monitoring systems are in place, and any evacuation orders or safety alerts would be issued based on real-time seismic and atmospheric data. The government also encouraged travelers to check official channels for updates instead of relying on viral rumors.

Shinmoedake, one of the most iconic volcanoes in Japan, last experienced a major eruption in June 2018. It is part of the wider Kirishima volcanic group that spans across Kyushu’s mountainous terrain. Known for its explosive potential, Shinmoedake has played a prominent role in Japan’s geological history and even featured in cinematic portrayals, such as the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice.

Its activity is closely monitored year-round, especially during Japan’s summer months when seismic volatility is generally higher. Geologists warn that while the July 3 eruption was powerful, it might not be the last if magma activity continues to rise beneath the surface.

As Japan responds to the Shinmoedake eruption with swift and coordinated action, the incident serves as a reminder of the country’s dual challenges—natural disasters and the modern phenomenon of viral misinformation. While science provides answers and structure in moments of uncertainty, deeply rooted cultural narratives can influence public behavior in unexpected ways.

Japan has issued a new travel alert after Shinmoedake volcano erupted and strong earthquakes rattled Kyushu, disrupting flights and spreading ash across the region. The situation has intensified further due to a viral prophecy predicting a major disaster, sparking public panic and travel cancellations.

The days ahead will be crucial as authorities evaluate the potential for more eruptions and issue further advisories. In the meantime, residents and tourists alike are encouraged to stay informed, heed local warnings, and avoid unnecessary risk.

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