Notes:
rumor: うわさ
disaster: 災害
explode: 爆発する
Japan’s weather agency: 日本の気象庁
fool: だます（うそを信じさせる)

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A popular manga called “Watashi ga Mita Mirai: Kanzenban” led to a big rumor that a huge disaster would happen in Japan on July 5, 2025. The manga talks about a dream where an underwater volcano explodes and causes a giant tsunami, much bigger than the Nankai Trough earthquake that experts have warned about.

Even though Japan’s weather agency said this is not true and there is no scientific proof, many people in other countries, like Hong Kong and Taiwan, became scared. Some people canceled their trips to Japan, and airlines cut back on flights.

Experts say this kind of rumor can cause real problems, like people rushing to buy things or feeling panicked. Sometimes, people want a big change in society, and that can make them believe scary stories more easily.

The real danger might not be the disaster itself, but how people react to rumors. We need to think carefully and not be fooled by things that sound scary but have no proof.
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Notes
tuna – マグロ;
overfishing- 過剰漁獲
spawning – 産卵
regulation – 規制
sustainably-持続可能に
generation – 世代

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Kanji Nishi used to catch many big bluefin tuna near Iki Island. But now, there are almost none left. In 2005, fishermen there caught 358 tons of tuna. In 2014, they only caught 23 tons. Many young fishermen have quit. Experts say overfishing is the main reason. Most tuna are caught before they can grow up and have babies. This is hurting the population.

Japan made some fishing rules, but experts say they are not strong enough. The rules are based on old data, and many fish are still being caught in spawning areas. Some people and companies want to fish more sustainably, but the government has close ties with big fishing businesses. This makes it hard to change.

Some local fishermen started a self-ban in summer to protect the fish. But real change needs stronger government action. If nothing is done, future generations may never see bluefin tuna in the sea.
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(Please read All at sea: Lack of regulations hurting tuna stocks for details. Image from Japan Times.)