Earthquake Rumors and Tourism — Asakusa Is Still Vibrant in August 2025
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist spots, welcoming many visitors from overseas every year.
But this summer, we noticed something unusual — a rumor spreading worldwide:
“A big earthquake hits Japan on July 5, 2025.”
Contents
🔍 Where Did the Rumor Come From?
This prediction originally came from a manga called “The Future I Saw,” where the author drew a large disaster happening in July 2025.
What started as fiction quickly spread on social media and video platforms, especially from late May to early June.
It caused a lot of anxiety among travelers, particularly from East Asia — places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand.
📉 Did It Actually Affect Tourism?
Here at Asakusa, we definitely noticed fewer people than usual at times.
Looking at the data and news reports, there seems to be a connection between the earthquake rumor and the drop in visitor numbers.
① Rapid Spread and Psychological Impact
From late May onwards, the rumor spread rapidly across social media and video sites, causing anxiety among many travelers from East Asia.
- In fact, travel cancellations in Hong Kong reached 50 to 80% in some cases.
✅ Sources: ABC News, Wikipedia
② Timing Matches Tourist Decline
The visitor numbers dropped sharply from May to June (-8.4%), right when the rumor was spreading widely.
| Month | Estimated Foreign Visitors | Change from Previous Month |
|---|---|---|
| May | About 3.69 million | -5.6% |
| June | About 3.38 million | -8.4% |
| July* | About 3.35 million (forecast) | -1% |
This decline is hard to explain only by seasonal factors, so the rumor likely influenced tourist sentiment.
③ Travel Agencies Saw More Cancellations and Inquiries
Multiple travel agencies reported a surge in inquiries about Japan’s safety in July and a notable increase in cancellations.
- ✅ Sources: ABC News, The Times of India
✅ Summary: Possible Impact of the Rumor on Tourism
- The rumor spread mainly between late May and early June via social media.
- It influenced travelers’ decisions, especially from Asia, leading some to cancel or postpone trips.
- The decrease in tourists in June and July aligns with this timeline, indicating the rumor likely had an impact on travel behavior.
✅ Sources: Wikipedia, AP News, The Times of India
🌅 And Now in August — No Big Earthquake Happened in Japan.
July 5 came and went, and thankfully, no major earthquake struck Tokyo or Asakusa.
The streets of Asakusa, including Nakamise shopping street and Kaminarimon gate, remain bustling with visitors as usual.
🏮 Visit BLEZ Pharmacy When You Come to Asakusa!
At BLEZ Pharmacy (Asakusa branch), we are here to support travelers.
- General medicines for headaches, colds, stomach issues, and more
- Travel essentials like cooling sheets, insect repellent, and sunscreen
- Staff who can assist in English and Chinese (depending on the day)
If you feel a bit unwell or need something during your sightseeing,
please stop by our pharmacy, just a short walk from Sensoji Temple!
🧭 Reality Over Rumors, Experiences Over Fear
Don’t let rumors stop you from experiencing Japan firsthand.
Asakusa remains a beautiful, vibrant place full of culture and friendly faces, ready to welcome you.
We wish you a safe and enjoyable summer trip!
Looking forward to seeing you soon at Burez Pharmacy 😊
📍 BLEZ Pharmacy Asakusa
Address: 1F 2-13-11 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0035 JAPAN
TEL : +81(0)3-6284-7160
Hours: 9:00 AM – 18:00 PM
