TOKYO- Unverified earthquake predictions from manga artists, psychics, and feng shui practitioners have triggered widespread travel cancellations to Japan, particularly from East Asian countries.
As per a CNN Report, despite lacking a scientific basis, these supernatural forecasts have created tangible economic impacts on Japan’s tourism industry. The travellers are either postponing or cancelling their visits amid fears of an impending catastrophe.
Tokyo Haneda Airport; Photo- Haneda Airport (Facebook)Japan Travel Earthquake Warnings
A 1999 manga by artist Ryo Tatsuki, “The Future I Saw,” has significantly contributed to the current wave of anxiety. The comic correctly indicated March 2011 as a period of major disaster. This coincided with the devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Tatsuki’s updated “complete version,” published in 2021, now warns of another major seismic event scheduled for July 2025. This fuelled fears across social media platforms.
Following the manga prediction, multiple psychics from Japan and Hong Kong have issued similar warnings about imminent destruction. These forecasts have gained traction online, particularly in East Asian countries where supernatural predictions sometimes carry cultural significance.
The cumulative effect of these warnings has created a climate of apprehension among potential travellers despite the absence of scientific evidence.
Mount Fuji, Japan; Photo- Mt. Fuji ToursTourism Industry Impact
CN Yuen, managing director of Hong Kong-based travel agency WWPKG, reported to CNN Travel that bookings to Japan dropped by 50% during the Easter holiday period.
The agency anticipates further declines over the next two months as fears persist. The impact has been most pronounced among travellers from mainland China and Hong Kong, representing Japan’s second and fourth largest tourist markets, respectively.
The concern has transcended regional boundaries, reaching countries like Thailand and Vietnam. Social media platforms in these nations now feature abundant content advising against Japan, demonstrating how quickly unverified information can spread globally.
The geographic expansion of these fears illustrates the power of social media to amplify unscientific predictions across diverse markets.
Kiyomizu, Kyoto; Photo- WikipediaJapan Tourism
Despite the widespread concern, official statistics demonstrate Japan’s continued tourism strength.
The Japan National Tourism Organisation reported a record 10.5 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025. Chinese mainland visitors increased 78% year-on-year to 2.36 million, while Hong Kong arrivals grew 3.9% to 647,600 during the same period.
Science Behind Japan’s Seismic Situation
Japan’s location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it inherently vulnerable to seismic activity. In January, the Japanese government announced an 80% probability of a major earthquake striking the southern Nankai Trough within the next 30 years.
However, seismologists consistently maintain that predicting the exact timing of earthquakes remains scientifically impossible, with some experts criticising the government’s probability assessments.
Pacific Ring of Fire, Trenches Marked with Blue Lines; Photo- WikipediaCultural Context
For Japanese residents, earthquake preparedness represents a constant reality rather than a periodic concern.
The country maintains some of the world’s most advanced early warning systems and building codes specifically designed to withstand seismic events.
Japanese society has developed sophisticated disaster response protocols following historical experiences with major earthquakes.
The contradiction between supernatural predictions driving travel cancellations and Japan’s sustained tourism growth highlights the complex interplay between superstition, social media influence, and travel decision-making in modern society.
While authorities continue to emphasise science-based preparedness over prediction, the economic impact of these unverified forecasts demonstrates their tangible effect on consumer behaviour across the region.
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