The viral rumours have created panic among tourists, with some airlines cancelling flights to Japanese cities due to low passenger demand.

A series of earthquakes near Japan’s remote Tokara Islands over the past two weeks, along with a major eruption from a long-dormant volcano earlier this week, has added to growing speculation about a disaster striking Japan on July 5.

Earthquakes can’t be predicted. But a manga artist’s dream of a July 5 'megaquake' has spooked some residents and travelers.