A surge of anxiety over a potential massive earthquake in Japan, amplified by social media and predictions from soothsayers, is causing a significant drop in tourist arrivals, particularly from Hong Kong. Surprisingly, a Japanese comic book-manga-has played a key role in stoking these fears, alongside viral online rumors and apocalyptic prophecies.
The source of the panic traces back to a manga titled The Future I Saw by artist Ryo Tatsuki, known for accurately predicting the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The manga’s recent storyline suggests an imminent natural disaster hitting Japan, which, combined with a prophecy from a Thai fortune teller, has sparked widespread concern. These claims have been widely circulated on social media platforms, with over a thousand videos discussing possible catastrophes such as a megaquake along the Nankai Trough, meteor strikes, and volcanic eruptions. The content has been translated into multiple languages, spreading the unease globally.
Despite Japan’s government clarifying that their earthquake risk assessments are meant solely for preparedness and not as predictions, the fear has taken hold. Hong Kong, a vital market for Japanese tourism, has seen a dramatic decline in bookings. Travel agencies report that the number of tour groups heading to Japan during peak seasons has halved compared to previous years. One agency executive described the phenomenon as unprecedented, noting that clients are now opting for alternative destinations like Australia and the UAE.
Efforts by travel companies to reassure customers-including offering full refunds if a significant earthquake occurs before departure-have so far failed to reverse the trend. Airlines such as Greater Bay Airlines have already reduced flight frequencies to Japanese cities like Tokushima and Sendai due to falling demand.
Local authorities in Japan’s Tokushima Prefecture have expressed surprise at how quickly these online fears have translated into real economic damage. The tourism sector, which had hoped to benefit from new direct flights and events like the Osaka Expo, is now grappling with the fallout from viral misinformation compounded by global economic uncertainties.
Seismologists point to the Nankai Trough as a genuine geological concern, with an 80% chance of a major earthquake in the next three decades. However, experts emphasize that such long-term probabilities should not be confused with imminent disaster predictions. Japan remains one of the world’s most prepared countries for earthquakes, with robust infrastructure and emergency protocols.
Nonetheless, the combination of social media amplification, manga-inspired prophecies, and viral videos has created a perfect storm of fear, significantly impacting Japan’s tourism industry. The situation underscores the powerful influence of digital misinformation on travel behaviour and the challenges authorities face in combating unfounded panic.
As Japan continues to welcome international visitors, officials urge travelers to rely on scientific information and official guidance, reassuring that the country remains a safe and attractive destination despite the circulating rumors.