Panic in Hong Kong: Japan Earthquake Rumor Triggers Travel Chaos

HONG KONG – May 15, 2024 –

The widespread, viral rumor of a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami predicted for July 2025 in japan has triggered significant disruption impacting travel bookings from Hong Kong. The origin stems from a Japanese comic book and proliferated rapidly on social media, amplified by official warnings and Feng Shui advice. People are now canceling or postponing trips,choosing alternative destinations. Experts offer insights into the situation.

this article from Yahoo News discusses the impact of a viral rumor in Hong Kong regarding a predicted earthquake and tsunami in Japan in July 2025, stemming from a Japanese comic book and amplified by social media. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

The Rumor’s Origin: The rumor originated from a Japanese comic book (“The Future I See”) depicting a dream about Japan being hit by a tsunami. This was picked up by YouTubers and spread rapidly through social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook.
Social Media Impact: The article highlights the significant reach of the rumor, citing over 1,400 YouTube videos related to “July 2025” with over 100 million views.Videos in Traditional Chinese also garnered significant attention.
Amplifying Factors: Several factors contributed to the panic:
Official Earthquake Forecast: The Japanese government’s updated forecast for the Nankai Trough earthquake, increasing the probability of a major earthquake within 30 years to “about 80%,” added to the anxiety.
Feng Shui Advice: Hong Kong Feng Shui masters advising against travel to Japan in the summer of 2025.
Chinese Embassy Warning: The chinese Embassy in Japan issuing a travel warning related to disaster forecasts further fueled the fear.
Impact on Travel: The rumor has had a tangible impact on travel between Hong Kong and Japan. The article notes a sharp decrease in flights and a significant drop in travel bookings to Japan, with people postponing or canceling trips and opting for alternative destinations like Australia and Dubai.
Official Response: The Japan Meteorological Agency has reiterated that current scientific capabilities do not allow for the prediction of the specific time,location,or magnitude of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. The Cabinet Office’s Disaster Prevention Department emphasized that the earthquake forecast is intended to encourage preparedness, not to cause panic.

In essence, the article illustrates how a combination of a fictional narrative, official warnings, and social media amplification can create widespread panic and impact real-world behavior, even in the absence of concrete scientific evidence.