MIYAZAKI, Japan – Mount Shinmoedake volcano on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu erupted Wednesday afternoon at 3:37 p.m. local time, sending a massive ash plume 5,000 meters into the sky and intensifying public anxiety as the country approaches a disaster date predicted by a manga artist decades ago. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed the explosive eruption occurred at the Kirishima volcanic complex, marking the most significant volcanic activity at the site since 2018.
The eruption covered parts of Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures in thick ash, prompting authorities to warn residents within a 4-kilometer radius about falling volcanic rocks and pyroclastic flows. Officials urged people to stay indoors and take protective measures against ash inhalation.
“While this eruption doesn’t currently involve new magma, the possibility remains. Close monitoring is essential,” said Shimizu Hiroshi, chairman of the government’s volcano research committee, during an emergency meeting held Tuesday.
The timing of the eruption has amplified existing public concern stemming from predictions made by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, whose 1999 work “The Future I Saw” warned of a catastrophic disaster striking Japan on July 5, 2025. Tourism to Japan has already declined significantly, with Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Airlines reducing flights due to decreased passenger numbers.
Seismic Activity Intensifies Across Southern Japan
Wednesday’s eruption came amid an unprecedented surge in seismic activity across southern Japan’s island chains. The Tokara Islands have experienced over 1,000 earthquakes since June 21, including a magnitude 5.5 tremor that struck at 4:13 p.m. Thursday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Seismic activity has been very active in the seas around the Tokara island chain since June 21,” said Ayataka Ebita, director of the earthquake and tsunami observation division, at an emergency press conference. The sustained activity represents the highest number of quakes recorded in the region since 1995.
Local authorities on Akusekijima Island urged residents to evacuate Thursday after the latest strong earthquake. Mayor Kubo Genichiro of Toshima Village announced that evacuation ferries would depart Friday morning for those wishing to leave the affected areas.
“I was worried there will be a stronger quake,” said Isamu Sakamoto, head of the local community on Akuseki Island, describing how the shaking continued for an extended period during Thursday’s tremor.
Manga Prediction Sparks Tourism Crisis
The volcanic eruption has intensified fears linked to Ryo Tatsuki’s decades-old prediction of a major disaster occurring on July 5, 2025. The retired manga artist, often called “Japan’s Baba Vanga,” claimed in her book to have experienced prophetic dreams about future catastrophes.
“To be honest, I can’t say for sure what this dream really meant,” Tatsuki herself told Bunshun Online in a recent interview. “After what happened with the Great East Japan Earthquake, I also can’t say with 100% certainty that something won’t happen.”
Tourism operators across Japan report dramatic booking cancellations. Hong Kong visitor numbers dropped 11.2% in May compared to the previous year, with further declines expected following this week’s volcanic activity.
“Realistically, I guess what you can do is refrain from mountain climbing,” Tatsuki advised in recent statements, while planning to move out of Kanagawa Prefecture before June 2026.
Scientific Community Dismisses Predictions
Japan’s scientific establishment has strongly rejected connections between natural phenomena and manga predictions. The Japan Meteorological Agency characterized such prophecies as “unscientific and a hoax” while focusing on legitimate monitoring efforts.
“With current scientific methods, it is impossible to predict earthquakes with precision,” stated Ryoichi Nomura, Chief of JMA, urging the public to remain prepared without succumbing to “unwarranted anxiety.”
Tatsuya Honjo, head of the Association for Skeptical Investigation of the Supernatural, pointed out that many of Tatsuki’s earlier predictions never materialized. “When a prediction appears to align with a real event, people remember that one, not the duds,” he explained.
Mount Shinmoedake’s Volatile History
The Kirishima volcanic complex has a long record of destructive eruptions. Historical activity at Mount Shinmoedake dates back to 1716, with significant events recorded in 1771, 1822, 1959, 1991, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2017, and 2018.
The 2011 eruption proved particularly devastating, triggering evacuations and widespread flight cancellations across the region. That event sent ash columns thousands of meters high and formed a lava dome within the crater.
Mount Shinmoedake gained international recognition as the location for villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld’s secret lair in the 1967 James Bond film “You Only Live Twice.” The volcano’s dramatic landscape continues to attract tourists during periods of low activity.
Government Prepares for Potential Megaquake
Japanese authorities have acknowledged inadequate preparations for a potential megaquake in the Nankai Trough, where experts estimate an 82% probability of a major earthquake within 30 years. Such an event could result in up to 300,000 fatalities.
“Since 2014, the government has had a disaster preparedness plan in place, aiming to reduce the number of fatalities by 80%,” a government spokesperson confirmed. “However, it has only managed to reduce this figure by 20%.”
A revised disaster plan introduced Tuesday aims to accelerate construction of tsunami barriers, shelters, and implementation of more intensive disaster drills. The government also announced measures to combat misinformation spreading on social media platforms.
The Japan Meteorological Agency raised Mount Shinmoedake’s alert level to 3 on June 27 following increased volcanic earthquakes, ground deformation, and sulfur dioxide emissions reaching 4,000 tons per day. Wednesday’s eruption justified those precautionary measures.
Officials estimate approximately 900,000 people live within the potential impact zone of Mount Shinmoedake. Authorities continue round-the-clock monitoring as residents prepare for possible aftershocks and further volcanic activity.
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