An obscure manga titled "The Future I Saw" by Ryo Tatsuki has recently gained unprecedented attention across Japan and internationally. The author's claim predicting a catastrophic natural disaster striking Japan in July 2025 has sparked widespread discussion, with some travelers reportedly altering summer plans to avoid Japan. The phenomenon has become amplified through social media channels - but what's fueling belief in Tatsuki's predictions, and how has an upcoming horror film become entangled in this growing concern?
Originally published in 1999, Tatsuki's manga features herself as a protagonist documenting precognitive dreams dating back to 1985. The book's cover prominently displays one particularly chilling premonition: "March 2011: A Great Disaster." When the devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami occurred that exact month, the manga gained renewed attention, with original copies becoming collector's items.
The 2021 revised "Complete Edition" added another ominous forecast - an even larger disaster striking Japan in July 2025, potentially involving tsunamis triple the size of 2011's catastrophe. This update coincided with the manga's resurgence in popularity, particularly in Hong Kong where translated versions circulated widely. Local media reported cancellations of Japan-bound travel plans, especially after Hong Kong-based fortune teller Master Seven amplified warnings about heightened seismic risks this summer.
Transportation changes reflect these concerns - Hong Kong Airlines canceled Sendai routes while Greater Bay Airlines reduced flights to Sendai and Tokushima from May through October. Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai criticized the predictions' "unscientific nature" during an April press conference, urging travelers to disregard the rumors.
The controversy has propelled manga sales beyond 1 million copies while generating publicity for the upcoming horror film "July 5 2025, 4:18 AM," which incorporates Tatsuki's disaster premise. Misinformation conflating the fictional movie date with Tatsuki's predictions prompted publisher Asuka Shinsha to clarify that no specific disaster date was ever specified.
While Tatsuki's 2011 prediction proved coincidentally accurate, seismologists emphasize that current science cannot pinpoint exact earthquake dates. However, legitimate concerns exist - experts estimate a 70-80% probability of a catastrophic Nankai Trough earthquake occurring within 30 years, potentially claiming 300,000 lives. The Japanese Meteorological Agency maintains its stance against deterministic earthquake predictions.
Online commentary reflects divided opinions, with some criticizing media sensationalism while others acknowledge Japan's genuine seismic risks. Tatsuki herself encourages balanced preparedness, urging the public to "act appropriately based on expert opinions" rather than fixating on her manga's speculations.
