TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s National Fire Agency on Thursday clarified it has not endorsed specific brands or certified specifications for emergency evacuation kits, following a surge in sales spurred by an earthquake prediction.
The announcement follows rising concern over a resurfaced prediction from Japanese manga artist Tatsuki Ryo. In her comic, Tatsuki recounts a series of prophetic dreams, several of which are believed by some to have come true, according to CNA, Taiwan FactCheck Center, Global View Monthly, and TVBS.
One particular prediction describes a catastrophic earthquake occurring on July 5, which she claims would result in catastrophic outcomes, including “the sinking of Japan” and “Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines being connected by land.”
This apocalyptic scenario has gone viral online, leading to increased emergency kit purchases. Several online shopping platforms have marketed kits as being in line with fire agency and Cabinet recommendations, which the agency denied.
The agency said it has not provided guidance on specific emergency kit brands or specifications, warning consumers to avoid falling victim to scams or misleading claims. Regardless of price or brand, the agency emphasized that disaster awareness and preparedness are the top priorities.
The prophecy’s circulation has also led to reports of travelers canceling trips to Japan and some airlines scaling back flight operations. In response, Japan’s Meteorological Agency said current science does not support accurate predictions of earthquake timing or location and urged the public to be cautious of misinformation and refrain from panic-driven responses.
To support genuine disaster readiness, the agency advised the public to consult its disaster preparedness website, which provides a recommended list of emergency supplies that can be tailored to individual needs.
The agency warned businesses against misusing the names of the Cabinet, the National Fire Agency, or other government entities in advertisements, stating this may violate Article 21 of the Fair Trade Act, which prohibits false or misleading representations that could affect consumer decisions. Offenders may face fines ranging from NT$50,000 (US$1,692) to NT$25 million under Article 42.
