
Travel bookings to Japan have reportedly decreased recently, raising concerns within the tourism industry.
While multiple factors contribute to fluctuations in travel, some observers are pointing to an unusual potential influence: a decades-old Japanese manga comic.
The comic, published in the 1990s, depicted a major earthquake striking Tokyo. The timing and specifics of the portrayed event have drawn comparisons to recent seismic activity and associated anxieties.
Some individuals have voiced concerns that the comic’s depiction, especially if widely read or shared online, could be fueling anxieties about future earthquakes and discouraging travel.
Specifically, details about the location and severity of a potential earthquake, as presented in the comic, have resonated with current discussions about potential seismic risks in Japan.
Tourism officials have acknowledged the drop in bookings but have not officially attributed it to the manga. They cite other possible factors, including seasonal variations and global economic conditions.
The Japanese government has issued statements reassuring potential visitors that the country remains a safe and attractive travel destination and that earthquake preparedness is a priority.
Experts in tourism and seismology caution against drawing direct causal links between the manga and the booking decline, emphasizing the complexity of travel decisions and earthquake prediction.
Travel industry analysts are continuing to monitor booking trends and other factors that could impact the Japanese tourism sector in the coming months.