In an unexpected twist to Japan’s otherwise booming post-pandemic travel resurgence, the country is now facing a sudden wave of cancellations and rising anxiety among potential tourists following a viral prophecy predicting a catastrophic disaster on July 5, 2025. The prediction, attributed to a Japanese manga artist renowned for documenting prophetic dreams, has gained immense traction online, prompting thousands of travelers—particularly from neighboring East Asian regions—to abandon or postpone plans to visit Japan this summer.
The origin of the prophecy stems from the artist’s 1999 comic book in which she compiled dreams she claims to have experienced, many of which she believes predicted major global events. Among her claimed past predictions are the 1995 Kobe earthquake, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, and the death of Princess Diana. Her new prediction centers around an underwater volcanic eruption south of Japan, triggering a mega-tsunami that would devastate the archipelago and surrounding countries such as Indonesia, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
Though the artist has not made any official new statements this year, content surrounding her previous predictions has gone viral across social media. Influencers and conspiracy theorists alike have amplified the narrative, leading to widespread fear and speculation. Over 1,400 videos across platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and regional equivalents have received tens of millions of views. The online buzz has particularly resonated with culturally sensitive demographics in regions like Hong Kong and Taiwan, where historical respect for spiritual and metaphysical predictions plays a significant cultural role in decision-making.
The Japanese tourism industry has started to feel the economic ripple effects. Travel agencies have reported significant declines in new bookings for July, with some agencies indicating a 40–50% drop in reservations compared to the same period in the previous year. Airlines have reduced frequencies on routes between Hong Kong and Japanese cities like Sendai, Tokushima, and Osaka due to softening demand. Local businesses in popular tourist destinations have expressed growing concern as cancellations increase and reservations dry up for what is usually peak season.
Authorities and experts have attempted to calm public fears, stating that no scientific methods currently allow for precise prediction of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, particularly with such specific dates and locations. Japanese seismologists and volcanologists have emphasized the importance of preparation and factual information, noting that while Japan is a seismically active country, the nation’s infrastructure and early-warning systems are among the most advanced in the world.
Academics specializing in disaster sociology have also spoken out about the psychological effects of mass hysteria and viral misinformation. They compare the current wave of fear to earlier apocalyptic rumors such as the Nostradamus predictions or the 2012 Mayan calendar scare. Experts argue that viral misinformation, even when rooted in artistic expression or speculative fiction, can still have very real economic and societal consequences when disseminated widely without context.
Japanese officials have not issued any specific advisories regarding the prophecy, and tourism boards continue to promote summer travel, emphasizing safety and reliability. However, some agencies are now offering flexible cancellations or travel insurance enhancements to ease traveler concerns and regain consumer confidence.
This incident highlights the potent power of digital media in shaping public sentiment, particularly in an age where user-generated content often spreads faster than fact-checked information. The intersection of culture, superstition, and travel behavior is now being explored more seriously by tourism researchers, who suggest that regional sensitivities must be considered in marketing and communication strategies, especially in East Asia.
While the prophecy itself lacks empirical support and is widely dismissed by scientists, its influence cannot be ignored. The tourism industry, already susceptible to economic and geopolitical shocks, now faces a new and unexpected form of disruption—one born from the convergence of pop culture, internet virality, and long-standing spiritual beliefs. As July approaches, Japan finds itself at the center of an unusual global conversation that underscores the necessity for responsible information sharing and digital literacy in an increasingly interconnected world.