July 2025 Manga Prediction Sparks Panic, Disrupts Travel

An obscure manga titled "The Future I Saw" (Watashi ga Mita Mirai) by Ryo Tatsuki has recently gained viral attention in Japan and internationally. The author's claim of a catastrophic natural disaster striking Japan in July 2025 has sparked intense social media discussions and reportedly influenced some travelers' summer plans.

A Troubling Prediction Gains Traction

Originally published in 1999, Tatsuki's manga features herself as a protagonist documenting prophetic dreams since 1985. The cover art hints at various predictions, including one marked "March 2011: A Great Disaster" - which coincided with Japan's devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. This eerie "correct guess" led to renewed interest in her work.

The 2025 Warning Emerges

The 2021 Complete Edition added a new forecast: a tsunami three times larger than 2011's disaster would hit Japan in July 2025. This prediction gained particular traction in Hong Kong, where translated copies circulated. Local celebrity fortune-teller Master Seven amplified concerns by suggesting heightened earthquake risks this summer.

Travel Industry Impacts

Some airlines have adjusted Japan routes, with Hong Kong Airlines canceling Sendai flights and Greater Bay Airlines reducing services to Sendai and Tokushima. Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai dismissed these fears during an April press conference, criticizing their "unscientific basis."

Media Frenzy and Movie Connection

The manga has sold over 1 million copies amid recent coverage. Simultaneously, anticipation grows for horror film "July 5 2025, 4:18 AM," which incorporates Tatsuki's prediction as narrative inspiration. Publishers clarified the movie's title doesn't reflect Tatsuki's specific prediction timeline.

The Science Behind the Fear

While Tatsuki's prophecy lacks scientific basis, it taps into legitimate seismological concerns. Experts estimate a 70-80% probability of a catastrophic Nankai Trough earthquake within 30 years, potentially claiming 300,000 lives. The Japan Meteorological Agency maintains precise earthquake prediction remains impossible.

Public Reaction

Social media shows divided opinions, with many criticizing the panic while acknowledging Japan's real seismic risks. Tatsuki herself encourages balanced preparedness, urging reliance on expert advice rather than uncritical belief in her visions.