SEOUL, July 5 (AJP) - Travel demand from South Korea to Japan has dropped sharply amid growing fears over a rumored major earthquake expected to hit Japan in July, leading to widespread trip cancellations and a sharp decline in airfares and hotel bookings.
Round-trip tickets to major Japanese cities like Osaka and Fukuoka are selling for just over 100,000 won ($70) on weekends in July and August, as demand remains weak despite the peak travel season.
The sharp decline appears to be linked to an old Japanese manga that has resurfaced online, which claims a devastating earthquake will occur in July. The comic, “The Future I Saw,” published in 1999 by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, gained attention after it allegedly foresaw the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, and also hinted at another disaster in July 2025.
More than 1,000 earthquakes have been recorded since June 21 around the Tokara Islands, a remote island chain in southern Japan located between Kyushu and Okinawa, two of the country’s southernmost islands. On Wednesday and Saturday, tremors measuring magnitude 5.6 and 5.3 were observed, respectively.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has said that the area remains seismically active and has urged residents to be prepared for possible evacuation.
The frequent tremors have raised public concern that they could foreshadow a larger earthquake elsewhere in Japan, a fear that aligns with long-standing warnings about the potential for a catastrophic event in the Nankai Trough, an underwater fault off the Pacific coast.
Japanese government estimates suggest such a disaster could result in up to 298,000 deaths and $1.8 trillion in economic losses.
The rumors have begun to affect travel across Asia. Hong Kong-based budget airline Greater Bay Airlines announced it will suspend flights to Yonago and Tokushima, two smaller Japanese cities, starting in September due to falling demand. Some hotels in Taiwan have also reported a surge in cancellations.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said the seismic activity is unlikely to directly affect the Korean Peninsula, though experts noted that faint tremors may still be felt. While no official travel advisory has been issued, travelers are advised to stay informed and follow safety guidance from Japanese officials.
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