What’s happening right now?
-
Evacuations Underway: Residents of Akusekijima, part of Kagoshima’s Tokara island chain, began evacuating on Friday, July 4, following a 5.5-magnitude quake.
-
Ongoing Tremors: The region has experienced over 1,000 quakes since June 21.
-
Quake Intensity: The most recent quake measured lower 6 on Japan’s seismic scale — the strongest ever recorded on the island since 1919. Such quakes can cause structural damage and make standing difficult.
Seismic warnings
The Tokara Islands, prone to seismic activity, continue to experience frequent tremors. Although no tsunami risk has been reported, authorities warn of possible aftershocks. A similar evacuation occurred on June 3, when Akuseki Island residents were relocated after another powerful quake.
Rumours and prophetic panic
A manga comic published in 1999 has intensified public anxiety. Japanese artist Ryo Tatsuki’s manga The Future I Saw predicts a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami on July 5, 2025, said to be three times worse than the 2011 disaster. Despite repeated expert and government denials, the prediction has gone viral, fueling fear across Japan and East Asia.
Why is July 5 creating panic?
Much of the anxiety stems from Tatsuki’s 1999 manga, which has eerily forecasted:
-
The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
-
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020
-
A predicted massive disaster on July 5, 2025
Though Tatsuki insists she is not a prophet, the uncanny accuracy of her past predictions has sparked widespread speculation and fear, especially online.
Economic and tourism fallout
-
Tourism hit: Rumours surrounding July 5 have led to flight cancellations from Hong Kong and a 30% drop in travel bookings from China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
-
Estimated loss: Japan could face economic losses of up to ¥560 billion ($3.9 billion), according to Nomura Research Institute.
-
Official Response: Japanese officials are urging calm. “We must not let unscientific rumours disrupt our economy,” said Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai.
Government and expert reaction
-
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has dismissed the July 5 prophecy as a hoax.
-
Experts confirm that earthquake prediction remains scientifically impossible.
-
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and disaster preparedness officials emphasise vigilance, not panic, and encourage reliance on official advisories.
Who is Ryo Tatsuki?
Known as Japan’s “Baba Vanga,” Tatsuki is a manga artist whose comic has predicted several past events, leading to a cult following. Her work has become the center of current fears, though experts stress that her claims are speculative and unscientific.
Ryo Tatsuki’s Eerie predictions – a quick rundown
July 5, 2025: Earthquake & Tsunami
2011 Tōhoku Earthquake
2020 COVID-19 Pandemic
2030: COVID Returns
Freddie Mercury’s Death
1995 Kobe Earthquake
The ‘15-Year Delay’ Theory
While Japan faces real and measurable seismic risks, the government and scientific experts urge the public to stay alert but not alarmed. Predictions from manga artists may make for intriguing reading — but they should not override scientific evidence, official guidance, and disaster preparedness protocols.
Authorities have urged the public to stay informed through official channels, avoid panic, and verify information before sharing it.
With inputs from AFP, agencies