Japan has been the focus of several so-called disaster “predictions.” A Japanese comic book warns of a “real catastrophe.” A psychic predicts mass destruction. A feng shui master urges people to stay away. These predictions have led to more superstitious travelers, particularly in East Asia, canceling or delaying their holidays.
Seismologists have long warned that accurately predicting earthquakes is all but impossible. However, the fear of a major quake, amplified by soothsayers and social media, is causing some travelers to reconsider their plans. A manga titled “The Future I Saw,” published in 1999 by Ryo Tatsuki, predicted a major disaster in March 2011, coinciding with the catastrophic quake that struck Japan that month.
Since then, psychics from Japan and Hong Kong have shared similar warnings, sparking unfounded panic online. The speculations have led to a significant drop in bookings to Japan, especially from mainland China and Hong Kong. The fear has also spread to other markets in Asia, with social media flooded with cautionary messages about traveling to Japan.
Despite the social media frenzy, it remains uncertain if the fearmongering is deterring tourists. While some travelers have canceled their trips, Japan continues to attract a large number of visitors. Samantha Tang and Oscar Chu from Hong Kong are among those who have decided to postpone their trips due to earthquake concerns. However, many tourists remain undeterred, with Japan seeing record-breaking numbers of visitors in the first quarter of 2025.
Japan is no stranger to severe earthquakes, being located on the Ring of Fire. The government’s warning of a high probability of a severe earthquake hitting the country’s southern Nankai Trough has heightened fears of a “big one.” Tatsuki’s work has gained a significant following in East Asia, with fans believing in her ability to foresee future events in her dreams.
Her manga, “The Future I Saw,” has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and has been published in Chinese as well. While some view her predictions as accurate, critics argue that her visions are too vague to be taken seriously. The manga’s cover, depicting a “massive disaster in March 2011,” has led many to believe in her ability to predict earthquakes.
In the latest edition of her manga, Tatsuki warned of a major earthquake in July. The author has acknowledged the impact of her work on readers’ travel plans and has urged them to remain rational and rely on expert opinions rather than solely on her predictions.
Despite the warnings and cancellations, Japan’s tourism industry continues to thrive, with a surge in visitor numbers from various countries. While some travelers have chosen to delay their trips, many remain committed to their travel plans, believing in Japan’s resilience in the face of natural disasters.
In conclusion, the interplay between predictions of natural disasters and the tourism industry in Japan reflects the delicate balance between superstition and rationality. While some travelers have succumbed to fear and altered their plans, many others continue to explore and appreciate Japan’s cultural and natural attractions despite the looming uncertainties.
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