Japan’s record-breaking tourism streak has hit a sudden snag after viral online rumors — rooted in a manga prediction — sparked anxiety across Hong Kong, leading to a dip in travel bookings and canceled flights.
While April saw a historic high of 3.9 million tourist arrivals, the momentum slowed in May, particularly from Hong Kong, where arrivals dropped 11 percent compared to the same month last year. The decline comes amid widespread chatter online that Japan could face a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in July 2025 — a rumor triggered by a comic book’s storyline eerily reminiscent of real past events.
The manga in question gained notoriety after its first edition seemingly foresaw the devastating March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed thousands in northeastern Japan. Now, it has resurfaced with a new “prediction,” stoking fear in the region.
Steve Huen of Hong Kong’s EGL Tours acknowledged that “certain superstitious concerns” have influenced travelers’ decisions. The impact has been so significant that some airlines have opted to cut flights to Japan from Hong Kong altogether.
Adding to the unease is Japan’s well-known vulnerability to seismic activity. In recent days, over 900 earthquakes — mostly minor — were recorded near the islands off Kyushu’s southern tip, reminding many of the nation’s location along the volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
Authorities have not issued any warnings related to the rumors, but the psychological toll appears to be affecting tourism patterns — at least for now.
