A fan of Japanese manga reads a comic book in his house in Kamisu in Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture.
Philip Fong | Afp | Getty Photos
Customer curiosity in Japan plunged in June, amid a prophecy in a manga that predicted a “catastrophe” would strike Japan in July 2025.
The prediction was in a 2021 reprint of a Japanese comedian guide, or manga, titled “Watashi ga Mita Mirai, Kanzenban” (which interprets to “The Future That I Noticed, Full Version”) by artist Ryo Tatsuki.
Within the authentic printing of the guide in 1999, the quilt web page referenced a “catastrophe in March 2011.”
In March 2011, Japan suffered its strongest earthquake on report, the Nice Tohoku Earthquake, which precipitated nearly 20,000 deaths and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear catastrophe.
The Amazon itemizing for the reprint acknowledged that the creator had “new prophetic desires” together with the “actual catastrophe will are available July 2025,” in accordance with a Google translation.
CN Yuen, managing director of Hong Kong-based journey company WWPKG advised CNBC that the rumor was extensively circulated in Hong Kong, the place it unfold over mainstream media, TV networks and thru YouTube influencers.
Guests arrivals from Hong Kong plunged 33.4% yr on yr in June, following an earlier 11.2% drop in Might, in accordance with Japan’s Nationwide Tourism Group.
Yuen stated his company has seen a 50% lower in bookings and inquiries in April and Might to Japan from final yr.
Vacationer arrivals from different Asian nations additionally skilled slower progress. Arrivals from South Korea rose simply 3.8% in June in contrast with Might’s 11.8%. Arrivals from Taiwan slowed considerably as effectively, from a 15.5% improve in Might to 1.8% in June.
Abroad guests to Japan grew 24%, on common, from January to Might of this yr, in comparison with 2024. However June arrivals solely noticed a 7.6% improve, in accordance with Japan’s journey statistics.
‘Excellent storm’
WWPKG’s Yuen stated he’s used to journey downturns associated to pure disasters, which often finish after the incident is over.
However “this time, it is totally different, as a result of nothing occurred truly. It is solely a rumor, or prophecy,” he advised CNBC. “That is the primary time we have seen such an incident.”
Hong Kong and Japanese media reported earlier in July that Hong Kong airways minimize flights to some Japanese cities, together with Nagoya.
A January report from Japan’s Asahi Shimbun, citing the nation’s Headquarters for Earthquake Analysis Promotion, additionally warned that the probability of a megaquake within the subsequent 30 years had risen to 80%—a improvement that, mixed with the prediction, created a “excellent storm” to discourage vacationers, Yuen stated.
Nonetheless, Japan’s Meteorological Company stated: “It needs to be famous that the issuance of data indicating elevated potential for a Nankai Trough earthquake doesn’t essentially imply that one will truly strike.”
Asian vacationers extra affected than Western ones
JNTO information confirmed that the share of Asian vacationers fell yr on yr in June, however that of Western nations rose.
Consultants CNBC spoke to gave numerous causes, together with cultural ones.
“Manga is not only leisure; it’s extensively learn throughout age teams and carries a little bit of cultural authority in some Asian societies,” stated Zimbayah Kamble, a senior lecturer for hospitality at James Cook dinner College.
That, mixed with reminiscences of previous disasters and the fact of Japan’s seismic vulnerability, imply that such warnings “resonate strongly” within the area, she stated.
Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin, affiliate professor of hospitality and tourism administration from the Singapore Institute of Administration, stated the speedy unfold of the rumors by way of social media platforms and the collectivist nature of many Asian societies led to a social amplification of perceived danger.
“Because of this even when some people have doubts, the collective response of their group or friends can considerably affect their choices, resulting in widespread behavioral adjustments, akin to journey cancelations,” Kiatkawsin stated.
“On this case, a fictional narrative amplified by social media might have created a compelling, if scientifically unfounded motive to defer journey,” he stated.
However each specialists additionally pointed to a extra unusual motive: the flexibleness of short-haul journey.
Kiatkawsin stated the prices of canceling the flights and resort bookings aren’t perceived as a barrier anymore.
“If they don’t journey to Japan this time, they’ll go one other time with out a lot problem to rearrange once more,” he added.
Kiatkawsin stated he doesn’t anticipate the prediction will have an effect on Japan’s general journey outlook, on condition that the prediction is restricted to the month of July.
— CNBC’s Kaela Ling contributed to this story.
