TOKYO – A confluence of viral social media speculation and an aging manga prophecy has triggered widespread alarm across Japan, leading to significant disruptions in the tourism sector as the predicted date of July 5, 2025, draws closer.
At the heart of the burgeoning panic is retired manga artist Ryo Tatsuki. Her 1995 work, titled “The Future I Saw,” which saw a re-release in 2021, contains a drawing captioned with a stark prediction: a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami, purportedly three times larger than the devastating 2011 disaster, would strike Japan on July 5, 2025.
The Prophecy’s Unsettling Resurgence
The prophecy might have remained a niche curiosity were it not for a crucial detail: Tatsuki’s manga also included earlier predictions that some followers claim accurately foretold significant events, including the precise timing of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. This perceived accuracy fueled the prophecy’s viral spread across social media platforms, notably amplified by hashtags such as #July5Disaster, creating a potent mix of digital rumour and genuine public anxiety.
The timing of the prophecy’s peak awareness has also coincided with recent, unrelated seismic activity near Japan. A notable swarm of over 330 earthquakes was recorded near Japan’s Tokara Islands, and a volcanic eruption occurred on Mount Shinmoe. While seismologists have categorically dismissed any scientific link between this recent geological unrest and the 2025 prophecy, the proximity of these events has undeniably amplified public concern and lent a chilling resonance to the viral rumour.
Economic and Social Fallout Takes Hold
The real-world consequences of this digital panic have been swift and economically impactful, particularly for Japan’s vital tourism industry. Reports indicate a significant downturn in travel bookings as the July 5, 2025 date approaches, with tourists reportedly fleeing some areas and mass flight cancellations occurring.
A Bloomberg Intelligence report highlighted the severity of the slump, revealing that flight and hotel bookings originating from Hong Kong for early July fell by nearly 50%. Bookings from certain segments within Southeast Asia experienced an even steeper decline, dropping by as much as 83%. These figures underscore the tangible economic damage being inflicted by the fear surrounding the prophecy.
The level of public awareness regarding the prophecy is also significant. According to a June survey conducted by Sky Perfect JSAT, a substantial 49.4% of Japanese respondents indicated they were aware of the prediction.
Scientific Dismissal and the Artist’s Plea
Despite the widespread fear, the scientific community remains resolute in its dismissal of the prophecy. Seismologists emphasize that predicting the exact date and magnitude of future earthquakes years in advance is currently impossible with scientific methods. They urge the public to rely on official seismic monitoring agencies and expert assessments rather than unverified prophecies.
Ryo Tatsuki herself has attempted to distance herself from the doomsday narrative she inadvertently created. She has publicly stated that she is not a prophet and has urged people to instead rely on the opinions and guidance of scientific experts and authorities.
Nonetheless, the fear, propelled by social media and anecdotal experiences of recent seismic events, continues to impact not only the country’s economy but also its international image. As July 5, 2025, approaches, Japan faces the complex challenge of navigating public anxiety fueled by rumour while upholding the credibility of scientific expertise and reassuring visitors and citizens alike.
