Story: Japan has seen a boom in tourism in recent years, but viral rumors about the disaster that took place this Saturday have had a real impact on arrival.
Japan set a record of 3.9 million tourists in April.
But in May, the arrival of Hong Kong was a superstitious, Chinese-controlled city, and rumors have gained particular appeal – up 11% year-on-year.
The rumor originated from the Japanese comics by artist Ryo Tatsuki, known as the “future.”
Some believe it predicts a catastrophic earthquake in Japan on July 5.
Steve Huen, of Hong Kong-based EGL Tours, tried to lower the price of travel packages and even offered earthquake insurance.
“The rumors have had a significant impact, reducing our business related to Japan by about 50%. However, demand for other destinations such as mainland China and Southeast Asia has grown.”
Branden Choi, a Hong Kong resident, said he is a frequent traveler in Japan but is hesitant now.
“I think the most important thing about traveling for me is safety. I will also try to avoid going to Japan in July and August when I hear this prediction.”
Comic creator Ryo Tatsuki denied being a prophet or July 5 rumor, saying her work was misunderstood.
:: March 11, 2011
The first edition of her comic warns that March 2011 was a major natural disaster – the month and year of the Fukushima earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident.
Social media rumors explain the new version of the comic predicts the July 5 disaster.
Japan is indeed sitting on the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Ocean and is one of the most prone to earthquakes in the world.
But Robert Geller, who has studied seismology for more than 50 years, says even scientific predictions of earthquakes are impossible.
“His famous astronomer Carl Sagan, who once said that extraordinary claims should require extraordinary evidence, but these predictors are making extraordinary claims with the most vulnerable evidence, basically nothing at all.”
Meanwhile, in the Tokyo landmark in Asakusa, the scene is like any other day – a group of tourists play from the gate to browsing booths and visiting the shrine.
But some Reuters still have rumors, even people outside Hong Kong.
Seattle tourist Serena Peng initially tried to speak about her husband's trip.
“I heard of it for the first time from my wife and then watched some YouTube videos and did some research. She was very worried. If that happened, that would happen. So I'm not worried now, but I used to be before.”
