Japan has seen record numbers of visitors this year. But viral rumours of impending disaster stemming from a comic book prediction have reportedly impacted the tourism boom, with some airlines cancelling flights.

In short:

Japan has seen a decline in tourists, especially from China, with some citing a disaster prediction in a manga (Japanese comic book) that was first published in 1999.

The manga The Future I Saw details the dreams of the author, including one that some believe predicted Japan’s tsunami in 2011.

What’s next?

The manga’s reprint in 2021 triggered rumours a catastrophic event would occur on July 5, 2025, which has sparked concerns from some superstitious tourists about travelling to Japan.

  • peregrin5@piefed.socialEnglish
    31·
    18 hours ago

    I don’t know about that. there has been a huge slew of foreigners coming in and buying up all their affordable land and housing to make AirBnBs. if that were happening in my area I’d hate foreigners too. especially because most are likely not making any effort to fit in with the community and are just creating wealthy expat enclaves taking advantage of the low yen value.

    also if comparing xenophobia have you seen -gestures to the rest of the entire world-