Thursday, July 3, 2025
In the vibrant streets of Hong Kong, where the hum of daily life continues unabated, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged. A manga, The Future I Saw by Ryo Tatsuki, has sparked widespread discussions and concerns among the public. The manga, first published in 1999 and reissued in 2021, makes a massive earthquake prediction in Japan on July 5, 2025. Despite the eerie coincidence with the Tōhoku earthquake of 2011, which Tatsuki’s earlier works allegedly foresaw, the current prediction has not significantly deterred Hong Kong tourists from planning their trips to Japan.
Minimal Impact on Travel Plans
Contrary to expectations, Hong Kong travel agencies have reported no significant cancellations of Japan-bound tours for the upcoming weekend. Agencies such as EGL Tours and Arrow Travel Agency have not observed a notable decline in bookings, indicating that the manga’s prediction has not substantially influenced travelers’ decisions .
However, industry insiders note a broader trend: the number of tours this summer is expected to fall by half compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed more to economic factors and increased flight costs rather than the manga’s prophecy. The Japan National Tourism Organisation reported a decrease of 11.2% in visitors from Hong Kong in May, with only 193,100 arrivals, suggesting that while the manga’s prediction may have caused some concern, it is not the primary driver of reduced tourism .
The Manga’s Influence and Public Perception
Manga has a significant influence on travel decisions in Hong Kong, particularly when it intersects with cultural beliefs and social media. The recent case of Ryo Tatsuki’s manga, The Future I Saw, predicting a July 5, 2025, earthquake in Japan, has notably impacted tourism. Travel agencies in Hong Kong reported up to 80% fewer inquiries about trips to Japan compared to the previous year, with some airlines experiencing a 40% drop in bookings .
The manga’s prediction has gained traction on social media platforms, particularly in East Asia, where it has been dubbed the “Baba Vanga of Japan” due to its previous alleged accuracy in forecasting the 2011 disaster. This resurgence has led to a surge in online discussions and media coverage, amplifying public anxiety .
This phenomenon underscores the potent role of manga in shaping public perception and behavior in Hong Kong. The city’s deep-rooted appreciation for Japanese pop culture, including anime and manga, contributes to a heightened susceptibility to such narratives. While the scientific community dismisses the earthquake prediction as baseless, the widespread dissemination of the manga’s message through social media platforms has fueled anxiety among potential travelers.
The Hong Kong Tourism Association has acknowledged the short-term impact on travel to Japan but remains optimistic about the resilience of the tourism sector. Officials emphasize the importance of relying on credible information and encourage the public to approach such sensational claims with skepticism.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting the manga’s claims, the Japanese government has issued statements dismissing the prediction as baseless. The Japan Meteorological Agency has emphasized that current scientific methods cannot make a earthquake prediction with specific details such as timing, location, or magnitude, labeling the rumors as a “hoax” .
Economic Factors Influencing Travel Decisions
While the manga’s prediction has contributed to some unease, economic considerations play a more significant role in shaping travel decisions. The increased cost of flights and tours has led many potential travelers to reconsider their plans. Additionally, the availability of alternative travel destinations offering more affordable options has further diverted attention from Japan.
The Hong Kong Tourism Association has noted that despite the concerns raised by the manga’s prediction, the overall demand for overseas travel remains strong. However, travelers are opting for destinations that offer better value and fewer perceived risks, leading to a shift away from Japan in favor of countries like South Korea, Vietnam, and cities in western mainland China .
Conclusion: A Blend of Myth and Reality
As the date of the made a earthquake prediction approaches, the streets of Hong Kong remain bustling with activity. Tourists continue to plan their trips, and travel agencies operate as usual. The influence of the manga serves as a reminder of the powerful role that media and folklore can play in shaping public perception and behavior.
While the scientific community dismisses the prediction as unfounded, the cultural impact of such narratives cannot be overlooked. They highlight the complex interplay between myth, media, and reality, and how they collectively influence societal actions and decisions.
In the end, whether the earthquake occurs or not, the events surrounding the manga’s prediction underscore the enduring human fascination with the unknown and the ways in which stories, both real and imagined, continue to shape our world.
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