Viral rumors of impending disaster stemming from a comic book prediction have taken the sheen off Japan's tourism boom, with some airlines cancelling flights from Hong Kong due to plunging passenger numbers.

Tokyo

Japan's tourism sector, which recently reached record visitor numbers, has been affected by viral rumors predicting a major earthquake. These rumors, fueled by interpretations of the manga 'The Future I Saw' by Ryo Tatsuki, have led to a significant drop in arrivals from Hong Kong, where the speculation has spread widely. Some airlines have canceled flights due to reduced demand, and travel agencies have reported a sharp decline in bookings for Japan, despite attempts to reassure travelers with discounts and insurance options.

The manga artist has denied any prophetic intent, stating her work has been misinterpreted. Seismologists emphasize that earthquake prediction is not scientifically possible, and critics highlight the lack of evidence behind the claims. Despite the rumors, many tourists continue to visit popular sites in Japan, although some remain cautious and have postponed their trips.

Viral quake doomsday rumors spook tourists to Japan

Japan has seen a tourism boom in recent years, but a viral rumor about a disaster coming this Saturday is having a real effect on arrivals. Japan set an all-time monthly record of 3.9 million visitors in April. But in May, arrivals from Hong Kong, the superstitious Chinese-controlled city where the rumors have gained particular traction, fell by 11 percent year on year. The rumors stem from a Japanese manga called The Future I Saw by artist Ryo Tatsuki. Some believe it predicts a catastrophic earthquake in Japan on July 5th. Steve Huynh of Hong Kong-based EGL Tours has seen sales slump and has tried cutting prices for tour packages and even offered earthquake insurance. The rumors have had a significant impact, cutting our Japan-related business by about 50 percent. However, the demand for other destinations, such as mainland China and Southeast Asia, has grown. Hong Kong resident Brendan Choi said he was a frequent traveler to Japan, but he was hesitant to visit for now. I think, for me, the most important thing about traveling is safety. Hearing this prediction, I would also try my best to avoid going to Japan during July and August. If possible, I might delay my trip and go after September. Ryo Tatsuki, the comic book's creator, has denied being a prophet and denied the rumors about July 5th, saying her work has been misinterpreted. The first edition of her book did warn of a major natural disaster in March 2011, the month and year of the Fukushima earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident. Now, social media rumors interpret that a new edition of the book predicts a massive earthquake on July 5th. Japan does sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. But Robert Geller, who has studied seismology for over 50 years, says even scientific prediction of earthquakes is impossible. Famous astronomer Carl Sagan, he once said that extraordinary claims should require extraordinary evidence. But these predictors are making extraordinary claims with the flimsiest of flimsy evidence, basically none at all. Meanwhile, at the Tokyo landmark of Asakusa, the scene was like any other day, flocks of tourists streaming through its gates to browse stalls and see the shrine. But some Reuters spoke to still had the rumors on their minds, even those from beyond Hong Kong. Seattle visitor Serena Peng had initially tried to talk her husband out of their trip. I first heard about it from my wife, and then I watched some YouTube videos and did some research. She was very concerned. If it happens, it happens. So I'm not super worried about it right now, but I was before.

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