A previously obscure manga titled "The Future I Saw" (Watashi ga Mita Mirai) has suddenly captured international attention, with author Ryo Tatsuki's startling prediction of a catastrophic natural disaster striking Japan in July 2025. This alarming forecast has caused some travelers to reconsider vacation plans to Japan and sparked intense discussions across Japanese social media platforms.
The Prophetic Manga That Predicted Past Disasters
Originally published in 1999, Tatsuki's semi-autobiographical manga documented her supposed prophetic dreams recorded since 1985. The book's cover prominently features one chilling premonition: "March 2011: A Great Disaster." Following the devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that occurred exactly when predicted, the out-of-print manga became a collector's item selling for premium prices.
The Complete Edition released in 2021 contains updated prophecies, including warnings of an impending July 2025 disaster potentially three times more destructive than the 2011 catastrophe.
When Fiction Impacts Reality: Travel Warnings Emerge
The renewed attention to Tatsuki's predictions appears to be affecting tourism, particularly from Hong Kong where the translated manga circulates. Fortune tellers like Master Seven have amplified concerns by claiming heightened earthquake risks this summer.
Hong Kong Airlines has suspended flights to Sendai until October, while Greater Bay Airlines reduced service to Sendai and Tokushima citing decreased demand. Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai recently dismissed these concerns as "unscientific" during an April press conference.
Art Inspiring Art: The Upcoming Horror Film Connection
Interest in Tatsuki's work has surged alongside promotional campaigns for the upcoming horror film "July 5 2025, 4:18 AM." While the movie draws inspiration from Tatsuki's prophecies, publisher Asuka Shinsha clarified the author never specified exact disaster timings.
The Complete Edition has now surpassed 1 million copies sold amid this renewed attention.
Scientifically Grounded Fears Versus Baseless Predictions
While Tatsuki's predictions lack scientific backing, they resonate with Japan's very real seismic vulnerabilities. Experts estimate a 70-80% probability of a Nankai Trough megaquake occurring within 30 years, potentially causing 300,000 casualties.
The Japan Meteorological Agency maintains that precise earthquake prediction remains impossible, categorizing such claims as "hoaxes." Many Japanese netizens criticize the ongoing media frenzy, with one X user commenting: "The Nankai quake could happen anytime - relying on manga prophecies is absurd."
Tatsuki herself has responded cautiously, expressing hope her work raises disaster awareness while urging people to follow official scientific guidance rather than her artistic visions.
