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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Hong Kong-based Greater Bay Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of two regional routes connecting Hong Kong with Yonago (Tottori Prefecture) and Tokushima (Tokushima Prefecture) in Japan, effective September 1.
The airline attributed the decision to a sharp decline in passenger numbers, citing widespread rumors in Hong Kong of a potential major earthquake in Japan this July. These unfounded rumors, partly fueled by speculative media and manga content such as "The Future I Saw: Complete Edition" by Tatsuki Ryo, have sparked safety concerns among travelers.
Officials from affected regions expressed disappointment. Tokushima Governor Masazumi Gotoda stated, “It is regrettable that flights have been suspended due to unscientific rumors,” adding that resumption will be discussed depending on future demand recovery.
According to Japanese media, earthquake predictions lack scientific validity, and both the Japan Meteorological Agency and experts have emphasized that large-scale earthquakes cannot be reliably predicted using current scientific methods.
Hong Kong tourist arrivals to Japan dropped by 11.2% year-over-year in May, reflecting broader impacts of the rumors. Despite a recent series of minor tremors in Kagoshima’s Tokara Islands, authorities have reaffirmed there is no concrete evidence of an imminent major seismic event.
Greater Bay Airlines has not announced a resumption date and says future operations will depend on market recovery and risk perception among travelers.
AlphaBIZ Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
