These days, travel agents are noticing that fewer people feel confident about planning trips, as many are now thinking twice before making any bookings Big Earthquake Warning.
Strange warnings from things like comics, fortune tellers, and feng shui have made many people in East Asia nervous about traveling to Japan. Because of this sudden fear, fewer people, especially from Hong Kong and China, are booking trips there.
A lot of the worry comes from a Japanese comic book called The Future I Saw, created by Ryo Tatsuki in 1999. The comic became famous because some believed it predicted the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011. In a new edition released in 2021, Tatsuki suggested that a Big Earthquake Warning might happen again in July 2025. He talked about an underwater crack between Japan and the Philippines that could cause even stronger waves than the 2011 disaster.
Despite Tatsuki’s advice to take her dream-based predictions with caution, her large fanbase across Asia has reignited fears about a potential earthquake. Social media platforms in Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, and China are buzzing with warnings and posts, urging people to rethink their summer travel plans to Japan. This growing online movement has spread fear, influencing many to avoid the country during the coming months.
Many travel agencies are finding that their clients are becoming more cautious about booking trips. CN Yuen, who manages WWPKG in Hong Kong, mentioned that reservations for Easter trips to Japan have dropped by nearly half. He also predicts that this downward trend will likely continue in the near future Big Earthquake Warning
According to Yuen, travelers are now mostly deciding to wait before making any plans. He explained to the local press that these fears have become a common concern, deeply affecting how people approach their trips.
The rumors were fueled further by predictions from a so-called psychic, who claimed there would be an earthquake in the Tokyo Bay Area on April 26, which never took place. Additionally, Master Seven, a famous feng shui expert from Hong Kong, cautioned against traveling to Japan starting in April, adding to the growing concerns.
To clear up growing confusion, Japan’s Cabinet Office posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying there is still no proven way to predict earthquakes. Earthquake experts backed this message, warning that spreading fear can hurt public trust and make it harder for people to get ready for real emergencies Big Earthquake Warning
After seeing how rumors were affecting travel, Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai — whose region was hit hard in the 2011 disaster, spoke out. He said it’s troubling that unscientific stories shared online are now starting to shape people’s decisions about visiting Japan.
Because Japan lies in one of the world’s most earthquake-prone zones, tremors are a regular part of life. Scientists have estimated that a powerful quake could strike the Nankai Trough sometime within the next 30 years, with an 80% likelihood. Still, officials remind the public that this is a long-range possibility, not an exact prediction of when it will occur.
The Influence of Various Factors on the Growth and Changes in Tourism
Japan remains a top destination for travelers, despite the online rumours and speculations circulating. In the first three months of 2025, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported that 10.5 million international visitors arrived, breaking previous records and showing a strong trend in tourism growth.
Among the visitors, 2.36 million were from mainland China, reflecting a 78% jump compared to last year’s figures. In addition, 647,600 travelers came from Hong Kong, a 3.9% increase from the same period in 2024. The rise in numbers was also driven by tourists from the United States, Canada, and Australia, with 343,000 Americans alone visiting Japan in March.
Even with the rise in tourism, some people are still canceling their trips. For instance, Samantha Tang, a 34-year-old yoga instructor from Hong Kong, decided to call off her planned August vacation to Wakayama because of the increasing fear fueled by online rumours.
So many people are saying an earthquake is coming,’ said Tang, who has been traveling to Japan every year since the pandemic ended.
Concerns about potential disruptions led 36-year-old Oscar Chu, a frequent traveler, to cancel his plans for this year. He feared possible flight delays and chaos if an earthquake were to occur Big Earthquake Warning.
While some may hesitate, many travelers are still going ahead with their plans. Vic Shing pointed out, Big Earthquake Warning predictions have never been reliable., for instance, is excited to visit Tokyo and Osaka in June, undeterred by the concerns.
Shing pointed out, Earthquake predictions have never been reliable. Japan has dealt with several major earthquakes before, so their disaster response should be capable of handling the situation well Big Earthquake Warning
A Challenge of Endurance and Determination
With nearly 900,000 copies sold, Tatsuki’s work continues to make an impact in the region. However, the artist has asked her readers not to let her dream-inspired visions overly influence them, instead advising them to trust the advice of professionals when making important choices.
Japan is known for its top-tier disaster preparedness. However, the rise in fear driven by superstitions shows how strongly media and social networks shape public opinion. It also highlights the challenge tourism officials face in balancing public safety with economic needs.
