Viral quake doomsday rumors spook tourists to Japan

Yahoo

17 hours ago

STORY: Japan has seen a tourism boom in recent years but a viral rumor about a disaster coming this Saturday is having a real effect on arrivals.
Japan set an all-time monthly record of 3.9 million visitors in April.
But in May, arrivals from Hong Kong—the superstitious, Chinese-controlled city where the rumors have gained particular traction—fell by 11 percent year-on-year.
The rumors stem from a Japanese manga called "The Future I Saw," by artist Ryo Tatsuki.
Some believes it predicts a catastrophic earthquake in Japan on July 5th.
Steve Huen of Hong Kong-based EGL Tours, has tried cutting prices for tour packages – and even offered earthquake insurance.
"The rumors have had a significant impact, cutting our Japan-related business by around 50%. However, the demand for other destinations, such as mainland China and Southeast Asia, has grown."
Hong Kong resident Branden Choi said he was a frequent traveler to Japan, but was hesitant to visit for now.
"I think, for me, the most important thing about travelling is safety. Hearing this prediction, I would also try my best to avoid going to Japan during July and August."
Ryo Tatsuki, the manga's creator, has denied being a prophet or the rumors about July 5, saying her work has been misinterpreted.
:: March 11, 2011
The first edition of her manga warned of a major natural disaster in March 2011 – the month and year of the Fukushima earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident.
The social media rumors interpret that a new edition of the comic book predicts a July 5th catastrophe.
Japan does sit in on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' and is one of the most earthquake prone countries in the world.
But Robert Geller, who has studied seismology for over 50 years, says even scientific prediction of earthquakes is impossible.
"The famous astronomer Carl Sagan, uhm, he once said that extraordinary claims should require extraordinary evidence, but these predictors are making extraordinary claims with the flimsiest of flimsy evidence, basically none at all."
Meanwhile at the Tokyo landmark of Asakusa, the scene was like any other day – flocks of tourists streaming through its gates to browse stalls and see the shrine.
But some Reuters spoke to still had the rumors on their minds - even those from beyond Hong Kong.
Seattle visitor Serena Peng had initially tried to talk her husband out of their trip.
"I first heard about it from my wife, and then I watched some YouTube videos and did some research. She was very concerned. If it happens, it happens. So I'm not super worried right now, but I was before."