Manga predicts Japan disaster, spurs 'Big One' fears

In recent weeks, a previously obscure manga titled "The Future I Saw" (Watashi ga Mita Mirai) has gained unprecedented attention in Japan and internationally. Author Ryo Tatsuki's claim of an impending major natural disaster striking Japan in July 2025 has reportedly influenced some travelers to cancel summer trips, sparking widespread discussion across Japanese social media platforms. This phenomenon raises questions about why Tatsuki's predictions resonate with certain audiences, and how an upcoming horror film became entangled in the growing speculation.

The Controversial Manga's History

Originally published in 1999, "The Future I Saw" presents Tatsuki as a character documenting prophetic visions drawn from dream journals she's maintained since 1985. The original cover prominently features an illustration showing Tatsuki's avatar covering one eye, surrounded by postcards referencing various predictions - including one explicitly stating "March 2011: A Great Disaster." Following the catastrophic Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan that exact month, the out-of-print manga gained renewed attention, with copies selling for premium prices on secondary markets.

The 2025 Prediction Emerges

The 2021 revised "Complete Edition" introduced Tatsuki's latest premonition: an even larger natural disaster striking Japan in July 2025, allegedly featuring tsunami waves three times higher than the 2011 catastrophe. Given the author's accurate March 2011 prediction, this new warning quickly proliferated across Japanese social networks.

Impact on Tourism

Multiple reports suggest Tatsuki's prediction has influenced travel plans, particularly among Hong Kong tourists where translated versions are available. Notable changes include Hong Kong Airlines canceling its thrice-weekly Sendai flights and Greater Bay Airlines reducing service to Sendai and Tokushima from May through October, citing declining demand possibly related to disaster fears and economic concerns. Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai has publicly criticized these predictions as scientifically unfounded.

Media Frenzy and Million-Copy Milestone

The renewed scrutiny has propelled "The Future I Saw" Complete Edition past one million copies sold as of May 23. This surge coincides with the June 27 theatrical release of horror film "July 5 2025, 4:18 AM," which incorporates Tatsuki's earthquake prediction into its narrative. Publisher Asuka Shinsha has clarified that Tatsuki never specified exact disaster dates matching the film's title, urging the public to avoid misinformation.

Scientific Context vs. Speculation

While Japan faces legitimate seismic risks - including a 70-80% probability of a Nankai Trough megaquake within 30 years - scientists emphasize earthquake prediction remains impossible. The Japan Meteorological Agency explicitly labels exact predictions as hoaxes. Tatsuki herself acknowledges her March 2011 forecast may have been coincidental, advising the public to prioritize expert opinions over her visions.