Latest news with #travelanxiety
The Independent
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Comic book ‘catastrophe warning' prompts superstitious travellers to cancel Japan trips
A comic book has sparked travel anxiety in East Asia with predictions that a 'real catastrophe' will hit Japan this summer. The Future I Saw, a comic book by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, has prompted some tourists to cancel their Japan trips after it claimed that an earthquake will rock the country in July. The comic, originally published in 1999, depicts cartoon versions of the illustrator and visions of her dreams. In the comic's 'complete' 2021 edition, Tatsuki 'predicted' that on 5 July 2025, a seabed crack between Japan and the Philippines will send giant waves ashore. The unfounded claims say that 'the sea boils south of Japan in July 2025', adding that the major seismic event will see waves three times taller than the 2011 tsunami. Tatsuki previously warned of a major disaster in March 2011 – a date that happened to coincide with the devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Since the prediction, Tatsuki has gained a cult following, selling 900,000 copies of The Future I Saw, including printed editions in Chinese, according to the book's publisher. Psychics from Japan and Hong Kong have since shared similar warnings on social media, with Qi Xian Yu, a popular feng shui influencer known as 'Master Seven', urging travellers to stay away from Japan. Mild earthquakes are not uncommon in Japan due to its position at the intersection of several tectonic plates. In January, Japan's earthquake investigation panel increased the probability of a megaquake (magnitude 8 or higher) striking the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years to over 80 per cent. However, according to seismologists, it is almost impossible to predict exactly when an earthquake will happen. Japan's Cabinet Office Disaster Prevention Division said on X/Twitter last month: 'With current scientific knowledge, it is difficult to predict an earthquake by specifying its date, time and location, so please be aware that earthquakes can occur at any time and make preparations on an ongoing basis.' Regardless, inbound tourism from China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Vietnam has dipped following the unfounded earthquake-related rumours on social media. CN Yuen, managing director of WWPKG, a Hong Kong travel agency, told local media that Japan bookings dropped by half during the Easter holiday, with a further decline expected as travellers 'hold off' on trips. Frankie Chow, head of Hong Kong travel agency CLS Holiday, similarly said to AFP: 'The earthquake prophecy has absolutely caused a big change to our customers' preferences.' Chow reported up to 80 per cent fewer inquiries on Japan travels in comparison to last year. At a press conference in April, Yoshihiro Murai, the governor of earthquake-prone Miyagi, slammed the influence of superstition on travel. He said: 'I believe it is a serious issue when the spread of highly unscientific rumours on social media has an effect on tourism.' Mainichi Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper, reported last week that 70-year-old Tatsuki had urged travellers not to be 'overly swayed' by her dreams and 'act appropriately based on expert opinions,' said CNN. Although the fear-mongering seems to have had an impact on some travellers from China, Japan welcomed 3,497,600 undeterred international travellers in March 2025, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
The Independent
19-05-2025
- The Independent
Pork pies, goldfish, and a chainsaw: The weirdest items seized at airport security
If you've ever been worried about what items are acceptable to take through airport security, you're far from alone. From power banks to food, prescriptions to liquids, the not insignificant list of prohibited goods can add an additional layer of anxiety to a trip. Now, a new study has revealed the strangest things Britons have tried to carry through security that make your rogue lighter look like child's play. Staff at Leeds Bradford Airport were bewildered to discover an entire suitcase packed exclusively with pork pies. Transporting large quantities of food, especially meat products, can raise questions from airport security officials, as bringing meat into Great Britain from the EU is illegal. At London's Stansted Airport, security staff were astonished to find a jar of sweets containing a pair of live goldfish swimming inside. Unsurprisingly, transporting live animals in hand luggage is strictly prohibited. And at East Midlands Airport, one bold passenger packed a chainsaw in their hand luggage. Tools and sharp equipment are all forbidden in cabin bags, making this handheld power saw a definite no-no. Even something as seemingly innocuous as a snow globe isn't safe. Staff at London's Heathrow Airport seized one traveller's kitsch souvenir as it exceeded the liquid limit for carry-on luggage – a reminder that even decorative items can violate airport rules. While some travellers opt for culinary home comforts on their travels, such as teabags or Marmite, one traveller at London City Airport attempted to smuggle a 680g jar of pickled gherkins in vinegar through security. Unusual items are far from being confined to the UK, however. A boa constrictor, maggots and antique cannon balls are just a handful of the items seized by security officials in the US. To avoid any awkward interactions, Cody Candee, CEO and founder of advises travellers how to avoid being caught out at the airport. 'Holidaymakers should check the requirements with the airport they're flying from, as well as their arrival airport, before travelling to ensure they aren't caught out. 'To avoid liquid restrictions altogether, travellers can instead pack solid versions of toiletries where available, such as toothpaste tablets, solid deodorants, and shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars. 'Not only will these types of products save space, but they are also more environmentally friendly and security-approved. 'If you're unsure, either pack the item into your checked-in luggage or leave it behind.'
