Did Manga Predict a July 5 Earthquake in Japan? What We Know So Far

A manga reprint has sparked panic across parts of East Asia with claims of predicting a major earthquake on July 5, 2025. Fans of manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, dubbed Japan’s “New Baba Vanga,” believe her 2021 reissue of The Future I Saw foretells a catastrophic megaquake and tsunami that could impact Japan and surrounding Pacific nations.

The viral rumor has drawn concern from tourists and prompted official responses from scientists and government agencies, who insist that earthquake prediction remains scientifically impossible.

What Sparked the Panic?

The speculation originates from The Future I Saw, a manga by Ryo Tatsuki that claims a massive crack will form beneath the seabed between Japan and the Philippines, triggering a tsunami larger than the 2011 Tohoku disaster. Though Tatsuki has clarified she is “not a prophet” and urged readers not to overreact, she stopped short of fully retracting the prediction.

The manga gained traction because Tatsuki allegedly predicted the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which killed nearly 20,000 people and led to the Fukushima nuclear crisis. Her work reportedly mentioned a “massive disaster in March 2011,” leading many to believe she foresaw the tragedy.

Fans also attribute other predictions to her, including the deaths of Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury, and even the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seismologists Call It Disinformation

Despite the public frenzy, experts from the Japan Meteorological Agency and scientists around the world strongly deny the possibility of predicting earthquakes with such specificity.

"It is still impossible to predict an earthquake with precise timing, location, or magnitude," said a spokesperson from the Japan Meteorological Agency, calling the claims “disinformation.”

Seismologists reiterated that while Japan is highly earthquake-prone, no credible method exists to predict a quake in advance, much less from manga literature.

Recent Seismic Activity Fuels Concern

Adding to public anxiety is a recent earthquake swarm near Japan’s Tokara Islands and a volcanic eruption on Mount Shinmoe. Though experts have found no correlation between these natural occurrences and the manga’s prediction, the timing has intensified online speculation.

Impact on Travel and Tourism

The rumor has already had real-world consequences. Tourist arrivals to Japan dipped in May 2025, particularly from Hong Kong, where travel agencies report cancellations and declining bookings. Airlines like Hong Kong Airlines and Greater Bay Airlines have cancelled flights due to low demand.

Travel companies like EGL Tours reported their Japan-related business has halved in the last month. Travel agents attribute this to fear stemming from the viral prediction.

“The rumours have had a significant impact,” said Steve Huen of EGL Tours, noting that many customers remain hesitant despite the availability of discounts and travel insurance.

Authorities Urge Rational Thinking

The Japanese government has labeled the speculation “regrettable,” warning against spreading baseless fears in an age of modern science.

While officials confirm the long-term risk of a magnitude 9 earthquake along the Nankai Trough — with an 80% chance before 2055 — they emphasize that such forecasts are statistical, not predictive, and cannot be pinned to exact dates.

Experts like Prof. Naoya Sekiya of the University of Tokyo urge the public to focus on general disaster preparedness rather than panic over unverified predictions.

Conclusion

While Ryo Tatsuki’s manga has drawn eerie comparisons to past events, scientists and seismologists affirm there is no scientific basis for the earthquake rumors circulating around July 5. Authorities encourage people to stay calm, trust expert guidance, and remain prepared — not panic — in the face of fear-fueled speculation.