Popular manga’s ‘catastrophe warning’ for Japan triggers mass travel cancellations and tourism slump
How an apocalyptic comic book prediction hit Japan’s tourism industry
- A 1999 manga comic, The Future I Saw by Ryo Tatsuki, has caused a significant drop in travel bookings to Japan due to its prediction of a major earthquake and tsunami on July 5, 2025.
- Hong Kong travel agencies reported up to a 50 per cent drop in Japan bookings during the Easter holiday, with some agencies seeing up to 80 per cent fewer inquiries.
- The comic gained a cult following after Tatsuki's previous prediction coincided with the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, leading to amplified warnings on social media by psychics and influencers.
- Despite scientific consensus that earthquakes cannot be precisely predicted, and warnings from Japanese officials against unscientific rumors, the fear-mongering has impacted tourism from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- The manga artist, Ryo Tatsuki, has reportedly urged travellers not to be "overly swayed" by her dreams and to act appropriately based on expert opinions.