Quake Swarm and Prophecy Panic Hit Japan Tourism

Japan's remote Tokara Islands have experienced over 900 earthquakes in the past two weeks, intensifying local fears of a stronger quake and prompting officials to urge residents to prepare for possible evacuation. This seismic swarm has coincided with renewed panic over a 1999 manga by Ryo Tatsuki, which predicted a major disaster in July 2025, fueling social media speculation and a sharp dip in tourism. Airlines have canceled flights and hotel bookings in southwestern Japan have dropped by up to 50%, especially from Hong Kong and other East Asian countries. Despite government assurances that the prophecy is baseless, the psychological impact has been severe due to both the real seismic activity and the viral narrative. Tatsuki has distanced herself from the catastrophic predictions, attributing them mainly to publisher influence. The situation underscores how cultural narratives and recent natural events can significantly disrupt public behavior and the local economy.