Japan’s summer tourism is facing an unprecedented challenge — not from natural disasters themselves, but from the chilling predictions of a famed manga artist. As July 5, 2025, approaches, anxiety is building over a forecasted cataclysm that could eclipse the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, prompting cancellations and a heated debate between legend and science.
A Manga Artist’s Unnerving Prediction Captivates Asia
Ryo Tatsuki, a renowned Japanese manga creator, has become both a cultural icon and an ominous figure in East Asia. Her comic series The Future I Saw, first published in 1999, blends visionary fiction with what she calls prophetic dreams. Tatsuki’s fame surged after a striking prediction in her work detailed a massive disaster in March 2011, closely paralleling the catastrophic 9.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the Tohoku region. The quake triggered a tsunami that claimed nearly 16,000 lives and led to the catastrophic Fukushima nuclear meltdown — the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl.
This eerie alignment with reality has given her latest warning exceptional weight. According to Tatsuki’s new manga edition released in 2021, on July 5, 2025, a massive fissure will open beneath the seabed between Japan and the Philippines, unleashing tsunami waves reportedly three times higher than those in 2011. News outlets like CNN have widely reported on this prediction, capturing the public’s apprehension.
The Ripple Effect on Japan’s Tourism
The impact on Japan’s tourism industry — a vital economic sector — is already palpable. Tourists from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam have begun canceling or postponing their travel plans. Hong Kong feng shui master Qi Xian Yu publicly advised avoiding travel to Japan starting as early as April, intensifying fears. According to CN Yuen, managing director of WWPKG, a Hong Kong travel agency, bookings plummeted by 50% during the Easter holidays, with no signs of rebound.
Social media amplifies these concerns with widespread posts warning of the impending disaster. Miyagi Prefecture’s governor, Yoshihiro Murai, voiced official worries about “highly unscientific rumors” negatively affecting tourism, demonstrating the delicate balance authorities must manage between public safety and economic stability.
Earthquake Experts Urge Calm and Preparedness
Despite the widespread anxiety, experts remain clear that earthquake prediction remains beyond current scientific capability. Japan rests on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotbed of seismic activity, meaning earthquakes are frequent but remain unpredictable.
The government’s Cabinet Office has taken steps to reassure the public, emphasizing on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) that precise forecasts are impossible with today’s technology. Japanese seismologists universally agree that while probabilities can be assessed, pinpointing exact timings or locations for major quakes is still science fiction.
Adding to this discourse, Tatsuki herself responded to media queries, telling Mainichi Shimbun that she appreciates the attention her work brings to disaster preparedness awareness. But she warns against overreliance on her visions, advising the public to base actions on expert advice rather than dreams alone.
The Human Side: Travelers’ Responses to the Fear
The looming date has split potential visitors. Samantha Tang, a Hong Kong yoga instructor who often visits Japan yearly, postponed her Wakayama trip after reading about the prediction. Likewise, Oscar Chu, another frequent traveler, decided to pause his Japanese travels this year, citing uncertainty and disruption fears.
Yet, some remain undeterred. Vic Shing, also from Hong Kong, stated plainly, “Earthquake predictions have never been accurate,” expressing confidence in Japan’s robust disaster management systems, honed over decades of seismic events.
This division reflects a broader challenge: how to remain open and adventurous while respecting legitimate safety concerns — a balancing act familiar to both travelers and residents of quake-prone regions.
Scientific Perspective Supports Preparedness Without Panic
Japan’s unique position — a land simultaneously rooted in ancient tradition, cultural storytelling, and cutting-edge science — creates a fascinating context for how society interprets disaster warnings. Ryo Tatsuki’s manga blends these elements, reminding us that while some fears may be amplified by stories and social media, the ultimate safeguard lies in informed, calm vigilance.
If you have thoughts on the growing influence of prophecy in public decision-making or have experienced Japan’s resilient culture firsthand, share your reactions below. How do you weigh the balance between legend and science when planning your travels? Your perspective matters—join the conversation and spread awareness responsibly.