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'Unscientific' Japan megaquake rumours spook Hong Kong tourists

Unfounded online rumours warning of a massive earthquake in Japan this summer have caused a noticeable decline in travel demand from Hong Kong as of early 2025.
These rumours spread widely through social media, citing a republished Japanese manga and a Facebook group, despite official statements that earthquake prediction by date and place is currently impossible.
Travel agencies in Hong Kong have seen a 70-80% decline in inquiries about trips to Japan during March and April 2025, while Greater Bay Airlines plans to decrease its weekly flights to Tokushima in southern Japan from May through October.
Tokyo’s Cabinet Office recently stated on social media that current scientific knowledge does not allow for pinpointing exactly when and where earthquakes will occur. The office also reported that there is a 75 to 82 percent likelihood of a major earthquake happening along the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years, which could result in approximately 298,000 fatalities.
While some Hong Kong residents remain uneasy, officials and travel firms expect people will realize the predictions are false, but the rumours currently pressure Japan’s tourism sector.

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The Express Tribune

Center

'Unscientific' Japan megaquake alerts cause drop in Hong Kong tourism

Tourism to Japan from Hong Kong is taking a noticeable hit as online rumours predicting a massive earthquake continue to spread across social media platforms, prompting unease among travellers and forcing airlines and tour operators to adjust services. Hong Kong residents made nearly 2.7 million trips to Japan in 2024, but local travel agencies report a significant decline in inquiries and bookings for 2025, particularly for trips scheduled in s…

17 hours ago·Pakistan

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Phys.org

Center

'Unscientific' Japan megaquake rumors spook Hong Kong tourists

Unfounded online rumors warning that a huge earthquake will soon strike Japan are taking a toll on travel firms and airlines who report less demand from worried Hong Kongers.

21 hours ago·United Kingdom

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InsideNoVA.com

+29 Reposted by 29 other sources

Center

'Unscientific' Japan megaquake rumours spook Hong Kong tourists

Unfounded online rumours warning that a huge earthquake will soon strike Japan are taking a toll on travel firms and airlines who report less demand from worried Hong Kongers.

21 hours ago

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大纪元 Epoch Times

Predictions of a strong earthquake in July cause panic, Japanese manga artist Ryu Shu responds

Japanese cartoonist Ryūju Ryū predicted that a strong earthquake and tsunami would occur in the country in July, which aroused the concern and even panic of many people, resulting in a decrease in the number of foreign tourists. In response to this, she said in an interview with the media that she viewed the matter objectively and called on the public to remain calm and refer to the opinions of experts.

12 hours ago

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IBTimes Australia

'Unscientific' Japan Megaquake Rumours Spook Hong Kong Tourists

Unfounded online rumours warning that a huge earthquake will soon strike Japan are taking a toll on travel firms and airlines who report less demand from worried Hong Kongers.

21 hours ago·Australia

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