Unscientific Megaquake Rumours Rock Japan’s Tourism as Hong Kong Travelers Cancel Trips, Airlines Cut Routes, What You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World

Unscientific megaquake rumours are spreading fast, and now these unscientific megaquake rumours are shaking more than just nerves. Across Asia, especially in Hong Kong, these unscientific megaquake rumours are turning viral fear into cancelled flights and vanished travel dreams. Japan is at the centre of the storm. And once again, unscientific megaquake rumours are overpowering science and logic.

The fear triggered by these unscientific megaquake rumours is now fueling mass concern among Hong Kong tourists. These Hong Kong tourists, who once travelled to Japan in the millions, are rethinking every plan. And it’s not just hesitation—many Hong Kong tourists are cancelling their trips altogether. The idea that disaster could strike in July has deeply unsettled Hong Kong tourists, no matter how clearly scientists say otherwise.

As these unscientific megaquake rumours explode on social media, Hong Kong tourists are changing destinations or avoiding travel altogether. Airlines are cutting routes. Hotel bookings are dropping. It’s clear the impact of these unscientific megaquake rumours is real—especially on Hong Kong tourists, who are now letting online posts guide life decisions.

Even though Japan remains one of the safest and most disaster-ready countries in the world, Hong Kong tourists are still backing out. Why? Because unscientific megaquake rumours feel more urgent than official facts. And for now, Hong Kong tourists are choosing fear over flights.

Unless this wave of unscientific megaquake rumours is countered fast, Hong Kong tourists may continue to cancel, and Japan’s tourism industry may feel the tremors all summer long.

Japan’s tourism industry is facing a surprising adversary this summer—not a natural disaster, but the viral spread of unscientific megaquake rumours. What began as speculative chatter on social media has turned into a full-blown travel crisis, with Hong Kong tourists cancelling trips, airlines cutting flights, and confidence in Japan’s safety being dangerously undermined.

Hong Kong, a major tourism market for Japan, sent 2.7 million visitors in 2024. But this year, those numbers are tumbling. The reason? A bizarre blend of manga-inspired predictions, doomsday dream posts, and misleading videos, all forecasting a catastrophic earthquake in July 2025. None of it is backed by science. Yet the fear feels real—and it’s hitting Japan’s inbound travel economy hard.

Airlines Pull Back as Demand Falls

Greater Bay Airlines, based in Hong Kong, has already reduced its flights to Tokushima and Sendai after a noticeable drop in bookings. Three scheduled weekly roundtrips have been cut to two, running through October. Other regional carriers are evaluating similar adjustments as Hong Kongers rethink travel plans to Japan.

Travel agents report 70–80% fewer inquiries for Japan holidays in March and April compared to the previous year. Some customers are changing destinations. Others are avoiding travel altogether, consumed by uncertainty.

From Manga to Mayhem: The Rise of the ‘Megaquake’ Prophecy

The rumours began with the resurfacing of a Japanese manga comic, republished in 2021, that eerily predicted a major natural disaster in July 2025 based on the author’s dream. It snowballed from there.

Facebook groups with over 250,000 members, mostly from Hong Kong and Taiwan, began circulating alternative quake dates. A feng shui master’s warning video racked up more than 100,000 views. Even local news outlets amplified the discussion, lending unintended credibility to the claims.

But none of these warnings are based on scientific data.

Science Responds, But the Damage Is Done

Japan’s Cabinet Office and earthquake scientists have been clear: there is no way to predict earthquakes by date, time, or location. Their message was released via social media, but struggled to match the viral reach of fear-driven content.

The confusion was compounded by a January update from a Japanese government panel that increased the probability of a Nankai Trough megaquake in the next 30 years from 70% to 75–82%. In March, the government followed up with an estimate of up to 298,000 deaths in the worst-case scenario. While these were routine updates to earlier predictions, they accidentally lent weight to the circulating false narratives.

Now, misinformation has taken root. And the timing—just before peak summer travel season—couldn’t be worse.

Tourism Faces a Crisis of Confidence

For Japanese tourism, especially in southern and northern regions, the damage is real. Regional destinations like Tokushima, Sendai, and smaller prefectures that rely heavily on overseas visitors are now seeing sudden booking declines.

Even hotels have noticed a shift. Hong Kong-based travelers are staying away, while guests from Europe and other markets remain steady. This has raised alarm bells among regional tourism boards.

Travel industry professionals, already recovering from pandemic-era losses, now face a completely unanticipated challenge: debunking social media myths before they empty planes and hotels.

Experts Warn of Long-Term Fallout

If the trend continues, the consequences could ripple far beyond July 2025. A single viral rumour has already slashed flight frequencies and suppressed booking momentum. Travel agents in Hong Kong fear that ongoing misinformation may also delay group bookings for autumn and winter.

Worse, Japan’s reputation as a safe and resilient destination is being unfairly questioned. This misinformation-fueled downturn threatens to undo years of branding and relationship-building between Japan and its closest tourism markets.

Airlines, Tourism Boards Must Rebuild Trust Fast

The path forward requires clear communication, rapid rebuttal of false information, and reassurance campaigns targeted specifically at regions like Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Airlines must coordinate with Japan’s Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and local governments to deliver updated safety information in Cantonese and Mandarin, across platforms where misinformation originally spread.

Influencers, travel bloggers, and tour companies can also play a role in restoring confidence—by sharing facts, showcasing calm local life, and emphasizing Japan’s strict building codes and disaster readiness.

Travelers Urged to Stay Rational and Informed

Travelers are understandably cautious. But experts emphasize that Japan remains one of the safest destinations in the world, especially in how it handles seismic activity. Its modern infrastructure, emergency planning systems, and real-time alert technologies are unmatched.

There’s no scientific basis to delay or cancel a trip based on online predictions. And most travelers who do proceed report smooth, worry-free experiences.

Still, tour operators are encouraging clients to take standard precautions—book flexible itineraries, stay connected to official alerts, and avoid echoing unverified claims online.

Final Thought: Fear Shouldn’t Steer the Future of Travel

In today’s hyper-connected world, viral misinformation can disrupt entire industries. Japan’s tourism crisis shows how powerful—and dangerous—online rumours can be, especially when left unchecked.

Hong Kong travelers, once among Japan’s most loyal visitors, are now second-guessing trips based on dream interpretations and doomsday timelines. But facts matter. Science matters. And if the travel world doesn’t push back, fear will continue to write the headlines.

For Japan’s tourism rebound to succeed, truth must travel farther than fear.