A manga titled The Future I Saw by Ryo Tatsuki has triggered widespread concern across Asia after its earthquake predictions gained viral attention on social media. The artist reportedly gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
A reprinted complete edition published in recent years featured a prominent warning on its front cover: “The real disaster will come in July 2025.” This specific prediction has now spread rapidly across social platforms, creating panic among potential travellers to Japan.
Psychics from Japan and Hong Kong have amplified these concerns by sharing similar warnings about impending seismic activity. The speculation has generated what CNN describes as “unfounded panic” among tourists.
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Airlines Cut Flights as Bookings Plummet
Hong Kong Airlines has reduced its flight schedule to southern Japan due to declining passenger demand. The carrier has cancelled routes to popular tourist destinations Kagoshima and Kumamoto for July and August.
Bloomberg Intelligence aviation and defence analyst Eric Zhu confirms the earthquake speculation is having a “negative impact” on Japan tourism. Airline bookings from Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong have all experienced significant drops according to Bloomberg’s analysis.
A Hong Kong travel agency managing director reported that Japan bookings fell by half during the Easter holiday period. The agency expects further declines over the next two months as the July prediction date approaches.
Official Dismisses Earthquake Fears
Japan Meteorological Agency director general Ryoichi Nomura has publicly addressed the growing concerns. He stated it is “impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude.” Nomura described any such predictions as hoaxes and urged people not to worry about the disinformation.
During a 23 Apr press conference, Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai called the situation “a serious issue when unscientific claims spread on social media and impact tourism.” He noted that Japanese people are not fleeing their own country. Murai encouraged tourists to visit Japan with peace of mind.
Despite the viral predictions, some travellers remain undeterred. A Hong Kong tourist explained his decision to maintain travel plans: “Earthquake predictions have never been accurate.” He noted that Japan’s experience with massive earthquakes means their disaster management systems are well-developed.
Japan faces legitimate seismic risks as one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Scientists estimate an 80 per cent probability of a megaquake occurring in the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years.
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