Read, Watch or Listen

Superstitious fears of an earthquake in Japan, fueled by a manga artist's prediction, psychic warnings, and social media, are causing some East Asian tourists, especially from China and Hong Kong, to cancel trips. While seismologists stress the impossibility of accurate earthquake prediction, the fear, amplified online, is impacting bookings. Travel agencies report significant drops, particularly during the Easter holiday. However, despite the anxieties, overall tourism numbers to Japan remain high, with record visitor numbers in the first quarter of 2025, indicating that many remain undeterred.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.