The Reason Tourists are CANCELLING Their Japan Trip This Summer
This is crazy. People are actually cancing the trips to Japan and you won’t believe why. Things are taking an unexpected turn this summer. And it’s all because of a viral rumor. Yes, there’s a rumor circulating about a supposed catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that’s predicted to hit Japan on July the 5th, 2025. And it’s been shared over 100 million times across multiple languages. This news has gone viral. So, to make things clear, I’m not superstitious or give much notice to things like this, but I do believe in ghosts. I don’t know where that places me. It’s not my normal content, but I thought it would be interesting to look into. So, what exactly is this viral rumor all about? And where did this even start? Well, it all traces back to a little known manga artist, yes, a manga artist named Rio Tatsuki, whose work from the late ‘9s has suddenly become the center of global travel panic. Back in 1999, Tatsuki published a manga titled Watashi Gamita Mai, the future I saw, which claimed to be based on her own dream diary. In it, she wrote that she’d had visions or dreams that supposedly predict real life disasters. and fans say that she foresaw the death of Freddy Mercury. And others point to a note she scribbled somewhere about a big disaster in March 2011, which now some link to the devastating tohoku earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March the 11th of that year. It’s already sounding a little bit like it could be some crazy movie, but there’s even more, believe it or not. Fast forward to 2021 and her manga is published in a complete edition. And this time she makes an even bolder claim. A mega earthquake and tsunami will hit Japan on July the 5th, 2025. Remember this is nonfounded, scaremongering, non-scientific. It’s a manga after all. Just remember that, okay? She actually says that this one will be more destructive than the 2011 disaster. Three times larger with shock waves that could hit not only Japan, but also the Philippines, Taiwan, and Indonesia. And in the manga, the sea south of Japan is described as boiling, and the epicenter is drawn inside a diamond- shaped region in the Pacific, complete with ominous dragon-like figures moving towards it. Sounds like a great manga, by the way. But fiction, definitely convincing for many, unfortunately, yes. And that’s exactly where the internet took over. It’s a story that has the perfect ingredients for social media mayhem. Right. The thing is that things spread to Hong Kong where a fun master named Qui Jang Yu, which I’m probably saying completely wrong, echoed the warning predicting a massive quake would hit Japan between June and August. And that just added fuel to the fire. And to add to the viral rumors, perfect storm, there’s even more. On April the 14th, the Chinese embassy in Tokyo issued a natural disaster safety advisory. This was totally routine and meant to help citizens register and prepare. But because it followed a much report from Japan’s government about future quake possibilities, the timing made it feel more like confirmation to many. But let’s get real for a moment, guys. Let’s get real because earthquakes cannot be predicted. And scientists are saying loud and clear that this prediction is nonsense. There is no current way to predict the exact timing and location of an earthquake with the current technology. Professor Seya Naoya from the University of Tokyo said these rumors are dangerous and baseless. And Kimiro Meguro, a disaster engineer, called the manga’s claims completely unscientific. And even the Japanese government posted a statement online saying science cannot pinpoint when or where a major quake will hit. The only scientific prediction is of a mega quake in the next 30 years. No specific date, no specific time, no specific year. Be prepared is all you can do. And Japan is well prepared. But the real damage has been done. And Japan’s tourism ministry is taking a hit. Despite being fiction, the rumor has done real damage, which is kind of crazy, especially with tourists coming from Hong Kong. Travel agencies have actually reported a 30% fall in bookings, even with discounted tickets and refund guarantees. And regular flights between Hong Kong and Tokushima only began in November with high hopes of boosting international tourism. But now, instead of growth, airlines actually scaling back, reducing from three weekly round trips to just two starting next month. And Tokushima isn’t alone. Similar flight cuts are hitting other Japanese cities like Sai for Koka and Saporo. As travelers rethink their summer plans, tourists are choosing Australia, Dubai, or Korea instead, and tour operators say that they’ve never seen anything like it. A manga actually driving decisions. Well, I’ve never seen anything like this myself. So, what is in the real science prediction? Well, scientists do warn of a high likelihood of a major earthquake occurring along certain fault lines in Japan, specifically the Nankai. This is a vast undersea zone that runs off the Pacific coast and have historically produced powerful quakes. And according to Japan’s Cabinet Office, there’s about an 80% chance of a massive quake in the Nankai sometime in the next 30 years. Not next month, not next year, a 30year window. And this scientific prediction was there a few years ago, but life, you know, it just went on, right? So, yeah, the key differences here are that these are long-term probability models based on tectonic activity, not specific prophecies, not dream diaries, and definitely not manga panels with dragons. So, should you cancel your trip to Japan? Honestly, do what you think, but I’m not canceling mine. And if you are still planning to visit Japan this summer or any time of the year, make sure that you’re probably prepared, not with superstition, but with actual useful tools. And I always recommend traveling with a pocket Wi-Fi so that you can get real-time updates, access maps, and stay connected no matter where you are. I’ve added my affiliate link here to Sakura Mobile. You can even get an eSIM here. I personally use it and it helps support the channel at no additional cost to you. And whilst you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe for more mythbusting travel stories, Japan tips, and cultural insights. No fear-mongering, just facts. Anyway, just remember, you’re not taking a greater risk traveling in July the 5th than any other day, basically. And the country is one of the most earthquake prepared nations in the world. From strict building codes to emergency drills and alert systems, Japan is ready. And while it’s always smart to stay informed, spreading panic over viral fiction doesn’t help anyone. So, what can we actually learn from this? Maybe it’s this. In an age where fear spreads faster than facts, it’s more important than ever to question the source, check the science, and stay grounded in reality. Because a manga that was never meant to be taken literally is now shaping international travel decisions and that’s really wild. Take all internet recommendations, whether it’s from YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok, with a pinch of salt. So, what do you think? Would this rumor make you hesitate to visit Japan? Or are you the kind of person who books a flight anyway and packs an extra power bank just in case? Let me know in the comments. And if you did find this video interesting, give it a like, share, and subscribe for more Japan travel insights, minus the dragons. Thanks for watching. Stay positive and be a happy gajjin. And check out this playlist for more interesting Japan related topics and guides. See you.
People are cancelling their Japan trips after a bizarre viral rumour. This shocking prediction originating from a manga dream diary by Ryo Tatsuki has exploded across social media with over 100 million views, sparking fear and confusion among tourists.
But is there any truth to it?
In this video, I dive deep into:
• The origin of the rumour
• Who is Ryo Tatsuki and what did she predict?
• What the scientists and Japan’s government are actually saying
• How this has impacted Japan’s tourism industry, especially from Hong Kong
• What the real earthquake risks are (Nankai Trough, Chishima Trench)
• Why I’m still traveling to Japan and what you can do to stay prepared
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39 Comments
Whoa! I just so happen to be writing a manga where an Japan content creator named Samurai Chimp wins the lottery and becomes Japan's first foreign born Prime Minister! Spooky? Prophetic? Complete nonsense? Who knows?!?! Haha. Keep up the great work dude!
I'm going late December. Not going in summer again. XD
the fact that there are massive cancellations from HK show that they are more superstitious than based on scientific facts.
I wouldn’t say that it’s just fiction. For example:
In 1898, a fiction writer, Morgan Robertson, wrote a story about the world’s largest passenger liner, which had 4 funnels, and was called the ‘Titan’ – the story was called ‘the wreck of the titan’, and in it, the ship hit an iceberg, and sank, killing over 3.5 thousand people. Was that story a premonition of the sinking of the Titanic? Maybe, or maybe it manifested itself into reality.
It's not nonsense.
Well im going to Japan this summer that doesn’t bothers me im starting next mouth Cause I’m going to see my Japanese girlfriend who is also an idol in her 20s and soon will graduate next month how because she can perform due to her injuries and I’m gonna be right beside her cause I’m going to get there to see her
It doesn’t make me want to cancel my trip but does remind us that Japan is due an earthquake in the next 30 years. Be prepared, learn and follow the safety procedures, keep yourselves and others safe.
I don't think it's because of the manga a world recession is in the mists people are cutting back on traveling.
Perfect, way less annoying tourists that will come to Japan. After living for more than one year in Kyushu for my engineering master's degree, I myself started to hate having around tons of tourists, 90% of times very disrespectful, everytime I move just a bit toward more known areas.
Why can't they predict this earth quake not during Cherry blossom time or in October/November, would be soo cool having less tourists in Japan during this time as I never go to Japan in summer due to the heat.
This video "Tourists are CANCELLING their Japan trip."
Most other videos "Top 10 reasons why you should MOVE to Japan."
Ah, the mis-information wars have begun.
Good less other tourist when I arrive in July!
Thats for people to not go there😂
Since there is overtourism, this is not so bad.
Sounds like a wonderful time to go. I’m just back from Tokyo and as is the case with most I’m already excited and planning to go back soon.
For those cancelling the twist will be that’ll be the time it happens when they rebook
There was a mega quake warning last year as well, but the reason behind this rumour is definitely an odd one 😅
Yes! At my local, the Japanese owner of the bar said she was not going anywhere in the month of July because of the rumour. 😮 I was surprised that even locals are talking about it.
I thought people were told not to go to Japan in the hot summer to begin with.?
Well that'll be interesting, got a trip planned for Japan in July
I fear summers in Japan in general. Florida too.🤷♂🤣
I think it's more likely because July is a horrible time to visit japan…
If the prediction is true then the whole world is in trouble not Japan or east Asia. To think something of this magnitude is going to be isolated to east Asia is really dumb. Civilization as we know it will collapse and most will die. A large landmass rising out of the ocean will have a huge knock-on effect throughout the entire planet. This will be a reset.
I must be immune to this virus because I have not seen anything about a Tsunami. And I have spent over probably 20 hours watching Akiya and rental stuff in Japan.
Omg😅 of course people are going to cancel just incase , I wouldn't be cancelling that's for sure and people like me would never even hear about the rumours, I really enjoyed this one I'm shocked 😅
Best time to go guys no crowd
I was going to go to Japan this year, but I decided to wait it out just a little bit longer. up to either October or November of next year.
No one is cancelling a trip over this
When I see the source of the rumor, the origin of the viral rumor came from China. Even for the update, just now this baseless claim is supported by the Chinese government which gives travel advisory for their citizen to Japan. So….. Well another propaganda from them.😂 But, there is a good catch: this may decrease the over tourism, which also some Japanese citizen are also complained at. So, yeah thanks China for making those rumors 😂😂 you just help the Japanese citizens and also fellow tourists who hates over tourism.
Ghost of Yotei no 😢
I am noy cancelling anything.
Even more of a great reason to travel to Japan for the summer. If lots of people are cancelling their trips then that means that a lot of places will be less crowded than usual. I am going this summer around that time interestingly and despite this rumor, my plans remain unchanged. So whether or not it comes live I'll be there. The news and social media make a big deal than what it needs to be. And tend to over exaggerate than what it actually is along misleading at times.
Oh no! I am flying back home from Tokyo July 6th….i think! 😩
I've been planning a trip to Japan a couple weeks after this alleged disaster for more than a year, and of course I'll be going ahead as planned. In the extremely unlikely event that the prediction should come true, well that's what travel insurance is for.
Haley's Comet. Y2K Computers. 2012. Donald Trump. Well, yea, DJT came true but the other disasters? People can keep believing the nut job on the street corner screaming "THE END IS NEAR". My move to Japan is still on the books and some conspiracy theory isn't going to stop that. By the way, nice kitsune mask and Luffy hat in the background! Nice touch!
now i understand why my friend in HK was warning me about my summer japan trip… must be the fear mongering state media over there
Summer is already unbearable there, I really don't need another reason to wait until fall to visit.
Perfect. We’re going in July. Prices will go down.
Interestingly, Hawaiian Airline just added new direct flights from Seattle to Tokyo. Seattle is now the new hub.
Well that and the Japanese hate tourist now.