Alarming Predictions in Japan Unsettle Tourists: A Comic Book, Psychics, and Social Media Fan the Flames

Strategic Insights -

Fears of a major earthquake in Japan have been amplified by a comic book, psychics' warnings, and social media speculation, leading to a noticeable rise in holiday cancellations and delays, as reported by CNN Travel. The country, known for its strong disaster preparedness, has a history of enduring severe tremors, and the possibility of a major quake is a constant reality for its people. However, despite the uncertainty, Japan continues to attract tourists, with a record 10.5 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • A comic book "The Future I Saw" by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki (published in 1999 and 2021) has warned of a major disaster, including a recent prediction that the next big earthquake will hit this July.
  • Psychics from Japan and Hong Kong have issued similar warnings, sparking baseless panic online and prompting a wave of travel cancellations across the region.
  • Bookings to Japan fell by 50% during the Easter holidays, according to CN Yuen, managing director of Hong Kong-based travel agency WWPKG.
  • The speculation has primarily deterred travelers from mainland China and Hong Kong, Japan's second and fourth largest tourist markets.
  • Japan is no stranger to severe earthquakes, with a record 10.5 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, despite the fears of a "big one."
  • The Japanese government warned in January that there was an 80% chance of a severe earthquake hitting the country's southern Nankai Trough within 30 years.
  • Some seismologists have been critical of these warnings, questioning whether they can ever be accurate.

Statistics:

  • 10.5 million visitors to Japan in the first quarter of 2025 (consistent with a record high, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization).
  • 2.36 million tourists from mainland China in the first quarter of 2025, a 78% increase compared to last year.
  • 647,600 visitors from Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 3.9% year-on-year rise.
  • 80% chance of a severe earthquake hitting Japan's southern Nankai Trough within 30 years, as per the Japanese government's warning.
  • 50% decline in bookings to Japan during the Easter holidays, according to WWPKG.

Sources:

  • CNN Travel
  • Japan National Tourism Organization
  • Ryo Tatsuki's "The Future I Saw"
  • CN Yuen, managing director of WWPKG