How does a comic prediction trigger an Asian travel controversy? Modern insights from online rumors

The speed at which internet rumors spread often exceeds expectations. When fictional stories ferment on social media, they can instantly evolve into real crises affecting industries. The Japanese manga “The Future I See” has recently become the center of this controversy. A plot about a disaster on July 5, 2025, circulated online through multiple layers, ultimately impacting tourism and aviation industries in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and even Japan.

How Do Rumors Spread So Quickly? Social Media Plays a Key Role

The incident began seemingly innocently—a fictional prophecy in a manga. However, when a well-known Hong Kong feng shui master based his predictions on it, the situation changed dramatically. Hong Kong media extensively reported on the related forecast, making the prophecy almost universally known locally. Meanwhile, online communities in Taiwan also started spreading messages claiming “a disaster will occur in Japan on July 5,” with many people sharing and forwarding without verification.

Subsequently, a Greater Bay Area airline announced that from July 12 to October 25, it would reduce direct flights to Sendai and Tokushima. The airline admitted that, based on market research, many travelers believed the online messages, and to maintain operational efficiency, they had to adjust flight schedules. This decision reflects how internet rumors have invaded real-world business decisions from the virtual space.

The Manga Artist Personally Clarifies, and Authorities Also Deny

In response to the rapidly spreading panic, “The Future I See” author Ryuju Ryo (currently 72 years old) decided to speak out proactively. She issued a statement through Japanese media emphasizing that the work was based on her personal dreams and not scientific predictions. She urged the public to respond rationally, to heed disaster prevention experts’ advice when facing natural calamities, and to prepare scientifically rather than blindly believing fictional prophecies.

Miyagi Prefecture Governor Murai Yoshihiro also openly stated that rumors about disaster predictions are unscientific and have already caused tangible impacts on local tourism. The official clarifications and criticisms further highlight the absurdity of the rumors.

Why Do People Trust Online Information So Easily? Deficiencies in Information Literacy

A survey by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications revealed a concerning phenomenon—nearly half of respondents believe that information obtained from the internet is “correct or possibly correct,” and about a quarter would forward unverified information. This data reflects a widespread lack of media literacy among the public.

The reasons why people in Hong Kong and Taiwan are prone to panic are complex and multifaceted. On one hand, there is a deep-rooted acceptance of metaphysical culture and prophecies in these regions; on the other hand, social media algorithms tend to reinforce confirmation bias, making people more likely to accept information that aligns with their existing beliefs. When fictional stories combine with pre-existing convictions, they can generate enough influence to shake the tourism market.

Deep Reflection: Doomsday Anxiety and Social Unrest

This incident is not isolated but reflects a broader societal anxiety about an uncertain future. Throughout history, humans have sought prophecies and divination as spiritual comfort when facing the unknown. In today’s highly advanced technological era, this psychological need has not diminished; instead, it is amplified by online dissemination.

Rumors can impact industries fundamentally because of the public’s unease and sense of powerlessness. When people are fearful, even unverified messages are easily accepted. The manga “The Future I See” inadvertently became a mirror, reflecting the deficiencies in information discernment in the internet age.

The Key to Preventing Rumors: Improving Media Literacy Across Society

This incident clearly demonstrates that strengthening the public’s media and information literacy has become an urgent task. In the flood of information where truth is hard to distinguish from falsehood, individuals must develop a habitual skepticism—verifying sources, checking facts, and consulting professionals.

For similar online rumors, social platforms should enhance fact-checking mechanisms, and official agencies should promptly release scientifically based clarifications. More importantly, the education system needs to incorporate information literacy training, teaching people from a young age how to distinguish between true and false information.

When it comes to natural disasters, scientific disaster prevention should be prioritized over dwelling on doomsday predictions. Only when more people possess critical thinking and information discernment skills can social upheavals caused by rumors gradually decrease. The true lesson of this incident is not whether the manga’s prophecy will come true, but how we can maintain rationality in an age of information explosion.