A viral social-media frenzy over a supposed July 5 ‘megaquake’ foretold in the manga “The Future I Saw” is denting Japan’s otherwise record-setting tourism boom. Visitor numbers from Hong Kong—one of Japan’s largest source markets—fell 11 percent year-on-year in May, according to government data, after the rumour spread. Hong Kong-based EGL Tours says sales of Japan packages have halved, while carriers such as Greater Bay Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and budget arm HK Express have trimmed or suspended summer services, citing weak demand. The comic, first published by artist Ryo Tatsuki in 1999 and re-released in 2021, recounted a dream that some readers interpret as pinpointing a catastrophic event on 5 July 2025. Tatsuki has denied being a prophet and says no specific date was intended. Seismologist Robert Geller of the University of Tokyo, echoing the Japan Meteorological Agency, stresses that “with current science it is impossible to predict the exact time or place of an earthquake.” Coinciding with the rumour, more than 1,000 minor quakes have rattled the Tokara island chain off Kyushu since late June, and a magnitude-5.4 tremor early on 5 July prompted the precautionary evacuation of some residents. The JMA said the swarm is unusual but unrelated to any prophecy and reiterated that no tsunami warning was required. Tourism officials are banking on a rebound once the speculation fades. Yet the episode underscores the sector’s sensitivity to online misinformation, even as Japan remains on track to surpass last year’s record 37 million inbound arrivals after logging 3.9 million visitors in April.