In May and June, social media in Japan circulated a warning from the manga about a "great flood" occurring in early July. In just over two weeks, starting 21/6, Japan experienced a series of over 1,300 earthquakes in the Tokara Islands, including tremors measuring 5.5 and 5.4 on the Richter scale on 3/7 and 5/7, respectively. While the predicted "apocalyptic disaster" did not occur, the manga became a media focal point after the series of earthquakes, sparking speculation about author Ryo Tatsuki's "fulfilled" dream.
Specifically, Tatsuki wrote: "On 5/7/2025, the seabed between Japan and the Philippines will rupture (erupt), and a great flood will attack the Pacific Rim countries. The tsunami's height will be three times that of the 311 earthquake (11/3/2011)". She also described the Sea of Japan "boiling", evoking images of an undersea volcanic eruption or a "super-large" earthquake.
The manga's prophecy has been discussed on various forums and social media platforms in Vietnam. In late June, LilaBooks, a private book publisher, announced its acquisition of the publishing rights, attracting nearly 5,000 interactions and numerous comments on its fan page.
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Cover of "The Future I See". Photo: Mysters |
Cover of "The Future I See". Photo: Mysters
"The Future I See" (Watashi ga Mita Mirai) was first published in 1999 and reprinted in 2021. According to Time, the book has sold over one million copies in Japan. The main content revolves around images and events the author claims to have "foreseen" in dreams.
The series is known for predictions that have partially aligned with reality. Tatsuki is believed to have correctly predicted the 2011 Tohoku triple disaster, which included an earthquake, tsunami, and the Fukushima nuclear accident, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. She is also said to have "seen" the deaths of global icons like Freddie Mercury and Princess Diana, along with other events, including the Covid-19 pandemic. These predictions have earned Tatsuki the moniker "Japan's Baba Vanga".
Last month, during a press conference, Ryoichi Nomura, Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), stated, "It's regrettable that people are being influenced by unfounded information in this modern scientific age", according to Time.
Recently, JMA official Ayataka Ebita told Kyodo News: "This is purely a coincidence. There is no connection." He emphasized that current science cannot accurately predict earthquakes, and any event resembling the manga's prophecy is purely accidental.
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Ayataka Ebita, official of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Photo: Kyodo News |
Ayataka Ebita, official of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Photo: Kyodo News
Despite this, Ebita cautioned the public: "In Japan, earthquakes can occur at any time. Always be prepared."
For months, rumors of the disaster have negatively impacted Japan's tourism industry, especially during the peak season of July and August, leading to a decline in international visitors. Two Hong Kong-based airlines reduced flights to southern Japan due to lower demand. A spokesperson for Tokushima's tourism promotion department said: "We are surprised that such rumors have led to cancellations". Many travel companies have offered deals to mitigate the situation. For instance, WWPKG, a travel agency specializing in tours from Hong Kong and mainland China to Japan, offered a 100% refund if an earthquake of magnitude 5 or higher occurred. However, the impact has been minimal due to widespread public anxiety.
Khanh Linh (Time, Kyodo News)
