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.

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

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