Japan faces increased seismic activity; Authorities downplay apocalyptic predictions
In the vibrant landscape of Japan, a unique blend of tradition and modernity, the tourism industry has been hit by an unexpected wave of uncertainty. This uncertainty stems from a prophetic comic book, "The Future I Saw" by Ryo Tatsuki, which has caused a ripple effect across East Asia and beyond.
First published in 1999 and re-released in 2021, the manga has gained renewed attention due to its prediction of a massive tsunami hitting Japan on July 5, 2025. The prediction describes a crack under the seabed between Japan and the Philippines triggering a tsunami three times larger than the 2011 disaster, causing widespread panic and anxiety, especially in regions like Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and South Korea.
The impact of this prophecy has been significant. In May 2025 alone, the Tottori region in Japan experienced a nearly 50% drop in bookings from Hong Kong, and airlines such as Greater Bay Airlines have reduced flights to Japan, with bookings declining by about 30% overall. The financial losses to Japan’s tourism industry are estimated at roughly ¥560 billion (about $3.9 billion USD).
Social media has been abuzz with speculation and fear, leading to widespread cancellations of trips to Japan. However, the author of the manga, Ryo Tatsuki, has urged caution and reliance on expert scientific opinions rather than the prophecy itself. Tatsuki has stated, "I am not a prophet."
Despite the warnings from Tatsuki and the Japanese government, which has issued a warning for potential strong earthquakes southwest of its main islands, the manga has played a notable role in discouraging thousands of travelers from visiting Japan during this period.
Amidst this, it's worth noting that Japan set a record for monthly visitor numbers in April 2025, with 3.9 million travellers. This record-breaking figure serves as a testament to Japan's enduring appeal, despite the temporary setbacks.
The bookstore Village Vanguard in Tokyo, which is displaying a sales banner for "The Future I Saw", reads, "Whether you believe it or not is up to you." The banner reflects the ongoing debate about the manga's influence and the role of predictions in shaping public perception.
As Japan continues to grapple with the series of tremors in Kagoshima prefecture, including a 5.5-magnitude quake on Thursday and over 1,000 tremors in the past two weeks, the government and experts urge the public not to believe in unfounded predictions of a major disaster. Ayataka Ebita, director of the Japan Meteorological Agency's earthquake and tsunami monitoring division, stated that it's difficult to predict the exact time, place, or scale of an earthquake.
In the face of uncertainty, Japan stands resilient, reminding the world of its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, waiting to welcome visitors with open arms.
The discussion about the upcoming weather conditions in Japan, as predicted by Ryo Tatsuki's manga "The Future I Saw," has caused a significant impact on the tourism industry, leading to a drop in bookings and flight reductions. Despite the ongoing debate about the manga's influence, Japanese authorities continue to assure visitors that the country remains safe and welcoming, boasting record-breaking visitor numbers in April 2025. At the same time, the country experiences a series of tremors, leading to warnings about potential earthquakes, emphasizing the importance of relying on expert scientific opinions rather than unfounded predictions.
