A strong 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of Japan’s Nemuro Peninsula, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 5.9, placing the epicenter about 107 kilometers southeast of Nemuro. No damage or injuries have been reported, and no tsunami alert has been issued.
In a separate development, Hong Kong Airlines has reduced flights to southern Japan, responding to declining demand caused by a viral manga-based rumor predicting a catastrophic earthquake in July 2025.
The comic, The Future I Saw, sparked fears despite the Japan National Tourism Organisation stating there’s no scientific basis for the prediction. Flights to Kagoshima and Kumamoto will be suspended in July and August due to reduced demand.
