Did 'new Baba Vanga' predict Japan tsunami and record-shaking earthquake?
Nearly two million people have been evacuated with fears waves could reach almost 10 feet after 900 quakes rocked an island chain off Japan.
Beaches were deserted as people fled to higher ground, many taking refuge on building roofs, with waves already spotted on the northern island of Hokkaido.
But the tremors along with the sea surges were predicted by Ryo Tatsuki – Japan's answer to Baba Vanga – who wrote down 15 dreams she had in the 1990s, many of which would come true.
For the latest updates on the tsunami warnings and earthquake follow Metro's live blog
She predicted a 'great disaster' on July 5, 2025, albeit making her prediction slightly early.
They were published in a 1999 manga called Watashi ga Mita Mira, known as The Future I Saw in English.
It became famous for its eerily accurate predictions, which included the coronavirus outbreak and the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami which killed nearly 20,000 people in Japan.
'It's very scary to even fall asleep,' one local told the regional broadcaster MBC. 'It feels like it's always shaking.'
Tatsuki, 70, wrote in her diary that she had dreamed of a 'crack opening up under the seabed between Japan and the Philippines, sending ashore waves three times as tall as those from the Tōhoku earthquake'.
The foreword from the publisher states: 'The disaster will occur in July 2025.'
In the afterword, Tatsuki added: 'If the day you have a dream is the day it becomes reality, then the next great disaster will be July 5, 2025.' More Trending
Yet in a new autobiography, The Testament of an Angel, Tatsuki distanced herself from the predictions.
'I was unhappy that it was published primarily based on the publisher's wishes,' she said, according to The Sankei Shimbun.
'I vaguely remember mentioning it, but it appears to have been hurriedly written during a rush of work.'
The epicentre of the earthquake was off the coast of the Tokara island chain, around 745 miles away from Tokyo, according to the country's Meteorological Agency.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: Where is the Kamchatka peninsula and why is it so dangerous?
MORE: How does massive 8.8 earthquake off Russia measure against the biggest ever?
MORE: The average Nintendo fan is around 30 years old according to new data
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
an hour ago
- Time Out
Bangkok goes super saiyan with Dragon Ball exhibition
2025 is the year Japanese pop culture takes over Bangkok. Fresh off the nostalgic 100% Doraemon & Friends Tour and the intense Attack on Titan Final Exhibition, the city is now bracing for a true legend: Dragon Ball. And this isn't just any fan event – it's the official launch of the Dragon Ball Asia Tour, with the Big Mango as its very first stop. Taking place until October 19, the showcase is licensed by Capsule Corporation Tokyo and Toei Animation and can be found at Attraction Hall on the sixth floor of Iconsiam. Spanning more than 2,000 square meters, it's a tribute to one of the most legendary franchises in anime history all under the concept 'Heroes Rise'. Fans can expect an immersive journey through all four arcs of the Dragon Ball saga from original to Super. Iconic battle scenes are brought to life through elaborate set recreations and interactive displays. Whether it's stepping into the arena of the World Martial Arts Tournament or standing on the battlefield of Planet Namek, you'll feel like you've jumped straight into the anime. The exhibition also features life-sized character statues, including Goku, Vegeta, Frieza and Cell, each sculpted with attention to detail and mid-battle energy. You can strike your best fighting pose alongside them or just bask in the aura of a Super Saiyan up close. But this isn't just about nostalgia. Visitors can test their strength and agility in combat-themed mini games, practice the fusion dance or unleash their very own Kamehameha. Using the exhibition's mobile app, fans can take on missions to collect Dragon Balls that unlock special in-exhibit rewards. And of course, the experience wouldn't be complete without exclusive merch. The show offers a range of limited-edition collectibles available only on-site Created by Japanese manga artist, Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball began as a manga in 1984 and quickly evolved into a global powerhouse, spawning countless anime series, films, games and merchandise. For over four decades, its characters have transcended generations, becoming symbols of perseverance, friendship and the endless pursuit of strength. Even now, the franchise continues to inspire, with both kids and grown-ups shouting 'Kamehameha!' and dreaming of going Super Saiyan. So, as the Dragon Ball Asia Tour powers up in the heart of the capital, it's time to celebrate the heroes we grew up with and the timeless energy they continue to bring to fans around the world.
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Time Out
The cute cat astronauts in Ginza Six are leaving after September 7
News The Big Cat Bang exhibition wraps up with a new sculpture, a pop-up store, an autograph session and a few last surprises Since opening in 2017, Ginza Six has consistently showcased large-scale art installations in its lofty atrium. The current exhibition by contemporary Japanese artist Kenji Yanobe might just be the shopping centre's cutest yet. The Big Cat Bang features a host of astronaut cats scattered throughout the premises. But the pièce de résistance is the showstopping centrepiece suspended from the atrium ceiling, built around a rocket in homage to Taro Okamoto 's 'Tower of the Sun', the iconic symbol of the 1970 Osaka Expo. On display since April 2024, the exhibition is now in its final leg, set to end on September 7 (with the atrium piece on view until September 6). So if you haven't seen it yet, now is the time, as Ginza Six has planned a few special events for its last hurrah. At Ginza Six's main entrance on Chuo Street, you'll find a new sculpture titled ' Ship's Cat Cosmo Red '. This astronaut cat strikes a pose as if it's about to launch into space. If you want to own an astronaut cat yourself – and really, who wouldn't – make sure to visit the Big Cat Bang: The Final pop-up shop on the fourth floor between September 3 and 7. You can pick up a 'Ship's Cat (Muse)' mascot figure for ¥49,500. For something more affordable, opt for the blind capsule toys (¥500), which feature three figurines: two versions of Ship's Cat and Giant Torayan, the robot sculpture by the same artist on permanent display at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka. Kenji Yanobe will also be present for an autograph session on Saturday, September 6, at the pop-up. The icing on the cake, however, comes after the exhibition ends: a lottery will be held to give away an actual piece from the 'Ship's Cat (Flying)' installation in the atrium. Details are still to come, but it's likely this giveaway will be limited to Japan residents, or maybe even those living in Tokyo. The astronaut cats, officially known as Ship's Cat, were created by Osaka-born Kenji Yanobe in 2017. He envisioned them as mythical creatures that protect travellers on their journeys. Yanobe's work often carries a strong social message, but with a dose of whimsical humour. The Big Cat Bang exhibition at Ginza Six marks his first major work in this evolving Ship's Cat series. For more information, check Ginza Six's website.
Time Out
3 hours ago
- Time Out
Suntory Bar at Prefecture 48
Most people know a Suntory beverage. Maybe it's the mega popular Minus 196 cans, the ultimate to-go Boss Coffee, the refined Roku Gin or premium Japanese whiskies. What we guarantee you *don't* know is just how many popular labels it owns: think everything from Jim Beam and Maker's Mark to Canadian Club. And now, you can experience more than 125 years of Suntory's history and innovation all in one place – for the next three months. Say hello to Sydney's new Suntory Bar. The Japanese spirit company has chosen the city's only Japanese culture and dining precinct, Prefecture 48 on Sussex Street, as host for the residency. The moody Whisky Thief bar with gorgeous historic artwork and marbletop counters is the place to be when you clock off. Choose between timeless highballs, signature serves, special cocktails, RTDs, The Premium Malt beer and whisky flights crafted by the team at Prefecture 48 in collaboration with Suntory. The must-try tipple of the affair is the Highball. While it'll be dished up with a range of Suntory whiskies (it's what Suntory's known for in Japan), we say try the spotlight cocktail, the Hakushu Highball, first. Not only is it a refreshing mix of Hakushu Distiller's Reserve, soda and mint, but it's been paired with an exclusive snack from the genius Michelin Star chef Tetsuya Wakuda (you know, from *the* Tetsuya's). Now's the chance to sample Wakuda's cuisine since his eminent Sydney restaurant closed last year – that's a golden opportunity if we ever did see one. What else is on the drinks menu? There's a Japanese Slipper with a Haku Vodka twist, and a Maker's Mark Gold Rush with honey and lemon. Prefecture 48 is whipping up a boozy affogato-inspired twist with Hibiki Harmony and a Kyoho Manhattan with a little bit of Sichuan heat. Keep your eye out for special nights across the three months – a handful of international bartenders are touching down in Sydney express from Japan for brilliant takeovers and out-of-this-world tipples.
