Renowned Manga Artist Predicts Catastrophic Event in July
Japanese manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, often dubbed the "New Baba Vanga" for her strikingly accurate past predictions, has stirred concern across Japan and neighboring regions with a dire forecast. In her 1999 manga The Future I Saw, she foresaw a "great catastrophe" hitting Japan on July 5, 2025. This announcement has prompted a palpable shift in travel patterns, especially among tourists from Hong Kong.
Flight Bookings Plunge Amid Growing Anxiety
Data reveals a massive 83% decline in flight bookings from Hong Kong to Japan during the late June to early July period, reflecting widespread apprehension influenced by this ominous prediction. The fear revolves around a seismic event involving a seabed fissure between Japan and the Philippines, expected to trigger waves nearly three times larger than those during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Major carriers such as Hong Kong Airlines have already suspended flights to southern Japanese cities like Kagoshima and Kumamoto for July and August, attributing cancellations to falling demand linked to the predicted disaster. Likewise, regional airlines operating Boeing aircraft report cancellation spikes between 15-20%.
Spring Travel Season Sees Unexpected Decline
Even earlier this year, bookings for Japan’s prime spring holidays in April and May halved compared to the previous year. This dip surprised airlines given the usual surge associated with cherry blossom viewing and the Easter holidays. Hiroki Ito, General Manager of a Japan-based airline office, expressed disbelief: “We expected around 80% seat occupancy but only saw 40%.” Many travelers cited the alarming forecast as their reason for postponing or canceling trips.
Authorities Urge Calm Amid Circulating Rumors
Despite mounting public fears, local officials remain steadfast in encouraging calm. Miyagi Prefecture Governor Yoshihiro Murai reassured residents and tourists alike, emphasizing, “There is no reason to worry as people are not fleeing the country.” He urged everyone to dismiss baseless rumors and continue visiting Japan.
Track Record of The “New Baba Vanga”
Ryo Tatsuki has gained notoriety for foretelling significant global events, including the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, the deaths of Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Adding to public unease, she predicts another more lethal Covid variant will emerge by 2030.
What to Watch
- July 5, 2025 – Date of predicted seismic disaster in Japan
- Travel trends – Continued drop in bookings reflecting public concern
- Official responses – Calls for calm and dismissal of panic rumors
As the date draws near, the evolving situation tests the balance between prophecy and public perception, impacting travel and local economies. Regardless of the outcome, this episode highlights how deeply influential cultural figures and media can be in shaping collective behavior.
