It all stems from a prediction by a manga artist.
An artist’s prediction of a catastrophe has spooked tourists. A Japanese manga predicted a major earthquake in Japan this July, and the premonition is scaring off travelers, especially from Hong Kong and China. Social media posts in East Asia are warning people to cancel or delay their trips, so much so that a Hong Kong-based airline has reduced flights between the two destinations.
What’s Going On?
In 1999, Ryo Tatsuki published a manga titled The Future I Saw, which warned of a major Japanese disaster in March 2011. Her prediction came true when the nation experienced an earthquake, followed by a tsunami and a nuclear power plant disaster—and she gained fame far beyond Japan. Now her fans believe that her dreams predict future events.
Tatsuki released follow-up material in 2021, and after social media users started sharing it, tourists have canceled and delayed their trips. The comic prophesied that a disaster on July 5 will send waves three times those seen during the 2011 earthquake. A passage says, “I dreamed of a great calamity–the Pacific Ocean surging along Japan’s southern islands.”
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The speculations have made travelers from Hong Kong and China anxious about visiting Japan, and many have canceled their bookings for spring and summer travel. A Hong Kong-based travel agency reported a drop in bookings, and Greater Bay Airlines in Hong Kong has cut one flight per week between the city and Japan until October 25. The head of the airline’s office in Japan, Hiroki Ito, said they noticed a 30% fall in bookings compared to estimates. “After looking into it, we found that many people in Hong Kong believed the ‘prophecy.’ With further declines expected as July approaches, we decided to scale back flights in order to maintain the viability of the routes.”
More psychics have also chimed in. One from Hong Kong predicted higher risks of earthquakes in Japan this summer. But the Tatsuki, the 70-year-old manga artist, said that she maintains an objective stance on the matter. “People should make their own judgments, but it’s crucial to avoid excessive speculation and instead rely on expert opinions for appropriate action.”
Tatsuki’s publisher, Asuka Shinsha, said that the book didn’t intend to incite fear and that people should heed professional advice. “The contents of this book published by our company are based on prophetic dreams the author had and are not intended to stir up undue anxiety in any way. When it comes to disasters and other events, we believe it is important to respond carefully and appropriately based on expert advice.”
Although experts have refuted claims because earthquakes can’t be predicted, travelers are also anxious after Japan warned of a mega earthquake in the next 30 years that could claim up to 300,000 lives.
Related: Years Later, Japan Is Still Recovering From the Tragedy That Shook Fukushima
Japan experiences hundreds of earthquakes every day. It is in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and the country has a sophisticated system for disaster preparedness. For residents, it’s a part of life in the country. Seismologists argue that predicting an earthquake is impossible even with current technology, so tourists have no reason to be concerned. Yoshihiro Murai, the governor of Miyagi Prefecture, addressed the issue during a press conference in April. “It’s a serious issue when unscientific claims spread on social media and impact tourism. Japanese people aren’t fleeing the country, so I want to reassure everyone to please visit Japan with peace of mind.”
In the first quarter of 2025, Japan broke all records by welcoming 10.5 million visitors. This summer, it’s a top destination for international travelers, according to a new report.
