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Is Japan Safe to Visit? The Truth Behind the Viral Earthquake Predictions

A viral manga predicting a catastrophic earthquake in Japan has sparked travel fears, leading to a sudden drop in tourism—especially from superstitious regions like Hong Kong. Airlines are canceling flights, and travel agencies are struggling as rumours overshadow facts. But is there any real danger, or is this just mass panic?

Japan’s Tourism Boom & Sudden Decline
After reopening post-COVID, Japan saw record tourist numbers—3.9 million visitors in April 2025 alone. However, May saw a sharp decline, particularly from Hong Kong, where bookings dropped by 11%.

Key Reasons Behind the Drop:
Superstitious beliefs in Hong Kong and East Asia.
Social media amplifying fear over a fictional manga prediction.
Airlines like Greater Bay Airlines canceling flights due to low demand.

The Manga That Started It All
The Future I Saw, a 1999 manga re-released in 2021, depicts a devastating earthquake and tsunami hitting Japan in July 2025. Though the creator clarified it’s purely fiction, many took it as a real warning.

Why Did It Go Viral?
Social media hype – Misinformation spread rapidly.
Cultural superstitions – Many avoid travel during “unlucky” periods.
Past trauma – Japan’s history with disasters (like the 2011 earthquake) makes people more anxious.

Airlines & Travel Agencies Feeling the Heat
Flight cancellations – Some routes to Japan suspended due to low demand.
Drop in bookings – Travel agencies report a 50% decline in Japan trips.
Damage control – Discounts and earthquake insurance introduced, but fears persist.

Science vs. Superstition: What’s the Truth?
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making earthquakes common. However:
Seismologists confirm – Earthquakes cannot be predicted accurately.
Professor Robert Geller (University of Tokyo) states: “No scientific prediction has ever been correct.”
Over 900 small tremors near Kyushu recently—normal for Japan, but misinterpreted as “signs.”

Why This Matters for Competitive Exams (SSC, PSC, NID, NIFT, etc.)
Current Affairs – Tourism trends, economic impacts.
Disaster Management – How misinformation spreads panic.
Media & Society – Role of social media in shaping perceptions.
Geography – Japan’s location in the Ring of Fire.
Critical Thinking – Differentiating between fiction and facts.

Sample Questions & Answers for Exam Prep
Q1: What caused the sudden drop in Japan’s tourism in 2025?
A: A viral manga (The Future I Saw) predicting a 2025 earthquake led to mass travel cancellations, especially from superstitious regions like Hong Kong.
Q2: How did social media contribute to Japan’s tourism crisis?
A: Misinformation spread rapidly, amplifying fear despite scientists debunking earthquake predictions.
Q3: Why is Japan prone to earthquakes?
A: It lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone with frequent tectonic movements.
Q4: What measures did travel agencies take to counter the tourism decline?
A: Discounts, earthquake insurance, and reassurances—but superstitious fears remained strong.
Q5: Can earthquakes be accurately predicted, according to experts?
A: No. Seismologists like Prof. Robert Geller confirm that precise earthquake prediction is impossible with current science.

Final Thoughts
While the manga’s prediction is fictional, its real-world impact on Japan’s tourism shows how quickly fear can spread. For travelers and exam aspirants alike, the lesson is clear: always verify facts before making decisions.