Latest news with #RyoichiNomura


The Mainichi
5 hours ago
- The Mainichi
Japan's chief meteorologist calls rumors of a July earthquake a hoax and urges people not to worry
TOKYO (AP) -- The head of Japan's meteorological agency on Friday dismissed widespread rumors of a major earthquake in Japan this summer as unscientific and a "hoax," urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. "At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude," Japan Meteorological Agency Director General Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. "Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation." Nomura was referring to rumors in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was "unfortunate" that many people are affected by the disinformation, though he sympathized with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumor originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book "The future I saw," which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific "ring of fire," is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organized an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. "In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere," Nomura said. "So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake."


The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Japan meteorologist dismisses July quake prediction
The head of Japan's meteorological agency has dismissed widespread rumours of a major earthquake in Japan next month as unscientific and a "hoax," urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. "At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude," Japan Meteorological Agency director general Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. "Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation." Nomura was referring to rumours in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan that have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was "unfortunate" that many people are affected by the disinformation although he sympathised with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumour originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book, titled The future I saw, which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific "ring of fire," is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organised an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. "In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere," Nomura said. "So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake." The head of Japan's meteorological agency has dismissed widespread rumours of a major earthquake in Japan next month as unscientific and a "hoax," urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. "At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude," Japan Meteorological Agency director general Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. "Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation." Nomura was referring to rumours in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan that have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was "unfortunate" that many people are affected by the disinformation although he sympathised with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumour originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book, titled The future I saw, which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific "ring of fire," is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organised an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. "In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere," Nomura said. "So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake." The head of Japan's meteorological agency has dismissed widespread rumours of a major earthquake in Japan next month as unscientific and a "hoax," urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. "At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude," Japan Meteorological Agency director general Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. "Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation." Nomura was referring to rumours in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan that have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was "unfortunate" that many people are affected by the disinformation although he sympathised with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumour originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book, titled The future I saw, which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific "ring of fire," is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organised an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. "In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere," Nomura said. "So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake." The head of Japan's meteorological agency has dismissed widespread rumours of a major earthquake in Japan next month as unscientific and a "hoax," urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. "At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude," Japan Meteorological Agency director general Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. "Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation." Nomura was referring to rumours in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan that have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was "unfortunate" that many people are affected by the disinformation although he sympathised with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumour originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book, titled The future I saw, which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific "ring of fire," is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organised an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. "In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere," Nomura said. "So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake."


Perth Now
a day ago
- Perth Now
Japan meteorologist dismisses July quake prediction
The head of Japan's meteorological agency has dismissed widespread rumours of a major earthquake in Japan next month as unscientific and a "hoax," urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. "At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude," Japan Meteorological Agency director general Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. "Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation." Nomura was referring to rumours in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan that have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was "unfortunate" that many people are affected by the disinformation although he sympathised with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumour originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book, titled The future I saw, which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific "ring of fire," is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organised an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. "In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere," Nomura said. "So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake."

Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Los Angeles Times
Japan's chief meteorologist calls rumors of a July earthquake a hoax and urges people not to worry
TOKYO — The head of Japan's meteorological agency on Friday dismissed widespread rumors of a major earthquake in Japan this summer as unscientific and a 'hoax,' urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. 'At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude,' Japan Meteorological Agency Director General Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. 'Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation.' Nomura was referring to rumors in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was 'unfortunate' that many people are affected by the disinformation, though he sympathized with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumor originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book 'The future I saw,' which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific 'ring of fire,' is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organized an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. 'In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere,' Nomura said. 'So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake.' Yamaguchi writes for the Associated Press.


Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Japan's Chief Meteorologist Calls Rumors of a July Earthquake a Hoax, Urges People Not to Worry
The head of Japan's meteorological agency on Friday dismissed widespread rumors of a major earthquake in Japan this summer as unscientific and a 'hoax," urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. 'At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude,' Japan Meteorological Agency Director General Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. 'Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation." Nomura was referring to rumors in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was 'unfortunate' that many people are affected by the disinformation, though he sympathized with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumor originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book 'The future I saw,' which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific 'ring of fire,' is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organized an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. 'In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere,' Nomura said. 'So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake.'