Latest news with #TheFutureThatISaw
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Here's why a Manga prediction crashed Japan's tourist numbers in June
Visitor interest in Japan saw a downturn in June, following widespread speculation linked to a prophecy in a Japanese manga predicting a 'disaster' in July 2025. The forecast originated in a 2021 reprint of the manga 'Watashi ga Mita Mirai, Kanzenban', which translates to 'The Future That I Saw, Complete Edition' by artist Ryo Tatsuki. The manga's original 1999 edition featured a reference to a 'disaster in March 2011'. In March 2011, Japan experienced the catastrophic Great Tohoku Earthquake, its most powerful recorded quake, which resulted in nearly 20,000 deaths and triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear crisis. The Amazon listing for the manga's reprint, as translated by Google, claimed the author had 'new prophetic dreams' and warned that the 'real disaster will come in July 2025". Prophecy widely circulated across TV networks, influencers CN Yuen, managing director of Hong Kong-based travel agency WWPKG, was quoted as saying by CNBC that the rumour gained major traction in Hong Kong, spreading rapidly across mainstream media, television networks, and YouTube influencers. As a result, tourist arrivals from Hong Kong to Japan fell by 33.4 per cent year-on-year in June, following an 11.2 per cent decline in May, according to data from Japan's National Tourism Organisation. Yuen stated that his agency observed a 50 per cent drop in bookings and enquiries for travel to Japan during April and May compared to the previous year. Broader slowdown across Asia Tourist inflows from other Asian countries also slowed. Visitor numbers from South Korea reportedly rose just 3.8 per cent in June, a fall from May's 11.8 per cent growth. Similarly, arrivals from Taiwan slumped from a 15.5 per cent increase in May to only 1.8 per cent in June. From January to May 2025, overseas arrivals to Japan reportedly rose by an average of 24 per cent year-on-year. However, June saw only a 7.6 per cent increase, signalling a marked slowdown. 'This time, it's different' Yuen noted that travel downturns after natural disasters are common, which usually end after the incident is over. Yuen said that this time was different, as nothing had actually happened and it was merely a rumour or prophecy. Earlier in July, media outlets in both Hong Kong and Japan reported that airlines had reduced flights between Hong Kong and certain Japanese cities, including Nagoya. Zilmiyah Kamble, a senior lecturer in hospitality and tourism management at James Cook University, told CNBC the cultural authority of manga, coupled with memories of past disasters and Japan's real seismic vulnerability, meant such warnings resonated deeply in the region. In this case, she said a fictional narrative amplified by social media could have provided a compelling—though scientifically unfounded—reason for people to postpone their travel plans.
CNBC
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNBC
Asian visitors to Japan fell because of a strange manga prediction. Here's why
Visitor interest in Japan plunged in June, amid a prophecy in a manga that predicted a "disaster" would strike Japan in July 2025. The prediction was in a 2021 reprint of a Japanese comic book, or manga, titled "Watashi ga Mita Mirai, Kanzenban" (which translates to "The Future That I Saw, Complete Edition") by artist Ryo Tatsuki. In the original printing of the book in 1999, the cover page referenced a "disaster in March 2011." In March 2011, Japan suffered its most powerful earthquake on record, the Great Tohoku Earthquake, which caused almost 20,000 deaths and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The Amazon listing for the reprint stated that the author had "new prophetic dreams" including the "real disaster will come in July 2025," according to a Google translation. CN Yuen, managing director of Hong Kong-based travel agency WWPKG told CNBC that the rumor was widely circulated in Hong Kong, where it spread over mainstream media, TV networks and through YouTube influencers. Visitors arrivals from Hong Kong plunged 33.4% year on year in June, following an earlier 11.2% drop in May, according to Japan's National Tourism Organization. Yuen said his agency has seen a 50% decrease in bookings and inquiries in April and May to Japan from last year. Tourist arrivals from other Asian countries also experienced slower growth. Arrivals from South Korea rose just 3.8% in June compared with May's 11.8%. Arrivals from Taiwan slowed significantly as well, from a 15.5% increase in May to 1.8% in June. Overseas visitors to Japan grew 24%, on average, from January to May of this year, compared to 2024. But June arrivals only saw a 7.6% increase, according to Japan's travel statistics. WWPKG's Yuen said he is used to travel downturns related to natural disasters, which usually end after the incident is over. But "this time, it's different, because nothing happened actually. It's only a rumor, or prophecy," he told CNBC. "This is the first time we've seen such an incident." Hong Kong and Japanese media reported earlier in July that Hong Kong airlines cut flights to some Japanese cities, including Nagoya. A January report from Japan's Asahi Shimbun, citing the country's Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion, also warned that the likelihood of a megaquake in the next 30 years had risen to 80%—a development that, combined with the prediction, created a "perfect storm" to deter travelers, Yuen said. However, Japan's Meteorological Agency said: "It should be noted that the issuance of information indicating elevated potential for a Nankai Trough earthquake does not necessarily mean that one will actually strike." JNTO data showed that the share of Asian tourists fell year on year in June, but that of Western countries rose. Experts CNBC spoke to gave various reasons, including cultural ones. "Manga is not just entertainment; it is widely read across age groups and carries a bit of cultural authority in some Asian societies," said Zimbayah Kamble, a senior lecturer for hospitality at James Cook University. That, combined with memories of past disasters and the reality of Japan's seismic vulnerability, mean that such warnings "resonate strongly" in the region, she said. Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin, associate professor of hospitality and tourism management from the Singapore Institute of Management, said the rapid spread of the rumors through social media platforms and the collectivist nature of many Asian societies led to a social amplification of perceived risk. "This means that even if some individuals have doubts, the collective response of their community or peers can significantly influence their decisions, leading to widespread behavioral changes, such as travel cancelations," Kiatkawsin said. "In this case, a fictional narrative amplified by social media could have created a compelling, if scientifically unfounded reason to defer travel," he said. But both experts also pointed to a more ordinary reason: the flexibility of short-haul travel. Kiatkawsin said the costs of canceling the flights and hotel bookings are not perceived as a barrier anymore. "If they do not travel to Japan this time, they can go another time without much hassle to arrange again," he said he does not expect the prediction will affect Japan's overall travel outlook, given that the prediction is restricted to the month of July.
News18
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Will New Baba Vanga's Quake Prophecy Come True? Look-Back At Mega Japan Disasters As Experts Say...
Last Updated: Ryo Tatsuki's Watashi ga Mita Mirai has gained attention for its seemingly accurate references to past events including the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. It is July 5 – the day that was prophesied to bring a mega earthquake in Japan. The prediction comes from a popular Japanese manga titled Watashi ga Mita Mirai, Kanzenban (The Future That I Saw, Complete Edition) which was first published in 1999. The book, based on the dreams of artist Ryo Tatsuki, has gained attention over the years for its seemingly accurate references to past events including the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Many people online began revisiting the manga's warning, especially a line on its cover that reads: 'The real disaster will come in July 2025." In the story, characters talk about a natural disaster in which 'the ocean floor between Japan and the Philippines will crack" and trigger massive waves that are higher than those seen in 2011. While the manga has no scientific basis, the prediction has sparked widespread interest and anxiety. 'Prophetic Manga' Ryo Tatsuki's Watashi ga Mita Mirai is often described as a 'prophetic manga." Fans believe it accurately foresaw several major global events including the deaths of Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. But it gained serious attention after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami struck Japan in March 2011. The manga had mentioned a 'massive disaster in March 2011" on its cover which was published more than a decade earlier. This connection led many to take the latest warning about July 2025 seriously. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts and videos about the so-called prediction. Experts say that while some major earthquakes including the 2011 disaster, were preceded by smaller tremors known as foreshocks, these are rare and not reliable indicators. A Bloomberg report also noted that such foreshocks occur only once in several hundred cases. Even Ryo Tatsuki has addressed the speculation. According to Reuters, she clarified that she is 'not a prophet." She urged people not to be 'overly swayed" by her dreams and 'act appropriately based on expert opinions." Spike In Quakes Around Tokara Islands Adds To Anxiety A remote and sparsely populated chain of islands in southern Japan has been experiencing an unusual spike in seismic activity which has caused concern among residents. Since June 21, more than 900 earthquakes have reportedly been recorded around the Tokara Island chain with a magnitude 5.5 tremor striking the area on Wednesday, July 2. While no major damage has been reported and no tsunami warning has been issued, authorities have urged residents to stay alert and prepare for possible evacuation, according to the BBC. Only about 700 people live on seven of the 12 Tokara islands. As per local media reports, the area has experienced clusters of earthquakes in the past but the frequency of the most recent tremors has been unusual. 'It's very scary to even fall asleep. It feels like it's always shaking," one resident said. While the manga's disaster may be fictional, scientists have long warned of a megaquake especially because Japan is located along the 'Ring of Fire," a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country experiences up to 2,000 noticeable quakes every year and accounts for about 20 percent of all magnitude 6 or higher earthquakes globally. Japanese authorities have been preparing for what is called the 'once-in-a-century" Nankai Trough megaquake. The Nankai Trough is an 800-km undersea trench off the coast of southern Japan. Experts estimate there is an 80 percent chance of a magnitude 9 earthquake occurring there before 2055. If that happens, it could kill up to three lakh people. Japan's History Of Deadly Earthquakes 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami: A 9.0-magnitude quake struck off Japan's northeast coast on March 11, 2011. Over 18,000 died in the disaster which also caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster. It remains the most powerful quake in Japan's history. 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake: This 7.9-magnitude quake hit the Tokyo and Yokohama regions on September 1, 1923. Over one lakh people died. 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake: More than 6,000 people lost their lives when a region near Kobe was struck by a 6.9-magnitude earthquake on January 17, 1995. 1948 Fukui Earthquake: On June 28, 1948, a 7.1 earthquake devastated Fukui Prefecture and killed 3,700 people. 2004 Chūetsu Earthquake: Though smaller at 6.6 magnitude, this quake on October 23, 2004, caused significant damage in Niigata Prefecture and led to 68 deaths. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published:
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
The manga artist who has prophesied a superquake in Japan on July 5
Manga artist Ryo Tatsuki wrote in her 2021 work 'The Future I Saw' about a crack forming beneath the sea between Japan and the Philippines, which she claimed would trigger a tsunami three times more powerful than the one in 2011. The prediction has gone viral, especially after a small island in southern Japan recently recorded over 1,000 tremors. Some airlines have also cancelled flights from Hong Kong, where passenger numbers have seen the steepest drop read more A massive disaster could hit Japan on July 5, according to manga artist Ryo Tatsuki's prediction. The forecast comes from her 2021 manga, 'The Future I Saw', which was first released in 1999. In the manga, she describes a crack forming beneath the sea between Japan and the Philippines, which would lead to a tsunami said to be three times stronger than the one that struck in 2011. ALSO READ | Japan warns of megaquake that could kill 300,000 along Nankai Trough: What is it? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The prediction, which has now gone viral, has led some airlines to cancel flights from Hong Kong, where passenger numbers have dropped the most. Notably, a small island in southern Japan has recently recorded over 1,000 jolts. So, what exactly is this prediction? And what's going on in the island that has already witnessed more than one thousand quakes? Let's take a look: What is the prediction by 'Japanese Baba Vanga'? Manga fans believe that many of Ryo Tatsuki's predictions, which are based on her dreams and featured in her comic book, often come true. Her track record has led to her being called the 'Japanese Baba Vanga', a reference to the late Bulgarian mystic known for foreseeing major global events, including the 9/11 attacks, ISIS's rise, and Barack Obama's election. The latest prediction comes from Tatsuki's 2021 manga. She is also known for forecasting the 1995 Kobe earthquake and the 2011 Tohoku tsunami. Whether it comes to pass or not, it's having an effect on air travel in Japan. The Future That I Saw 👁️ Japanese Comic Predicts Massive Disaster for July 2025 (July 5, 2025 at 4:18 a.m.) Retired comic artist Ryo Tatsuki claims that she has been having prophetic dreams for… — UFO CHRONICLES PODCAST🎙️𝕏 (@UFOchronpodcast) July 3, 2025 In her manga, she writes that a deep crack would appear beneath the sea between Japan and the Philippines, leading to massive waves, three times taller than those that hit Japan in the 2011 disaster. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What has added fuel to the panic is that a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Tokara Islands on Thursday (July 3), two days ahead of the date mentioned in the comic. The prediction has since gone viral, especially across East Asia, with thousands of videos being shared online in places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and South Korea. On X, several users have linked the prediction to growing fears of a possible Nankai Trough megaquake. In the manga, she describes a crack forming beneath the sea between Japan and the Philippines. Reuters/File Photo Over 1,000 quakes jolt Japan's small island Japanese officials recently advised 89 people living on a small island in the country's south to leave their homes after a strong quake hit the area on Thursday. This was the latest in a series of over 1,000 tremors recorded in the region. An official told AFP that residents were asked to move to a school playground on Akuseki Island. Akuseki belongs to the Tokara island group, located south of the Kyushu region. Since June 21, the area has experienced 1,031 earthquakes. Of the 12 islands in the Tokara chain, seven are inhabited, with about 700 people living across them. ALSO READ | When a powerful earthquake and tsunami triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What Japanese gov and Tatsuki are saying Ryo Tatsuki, the manga artist behind the much-discussed prediction, has asked people not to take her forecast too seriously. In a recent interview, she said people should stay calm and rely on experts instead of her visions. Meanwhile, Ayataka Ebita, director of the earthquake and tsunami observation division at Japan's Meteorological Agency, also responded to the rumours. Japan sits on four major tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active places on Earth. Reuters/File Photo He told AFP, 'We are aware that such tales are circulating, but that is a hoax.' He added, 'With today's science and technology, it is not possible to predict earthquakes.' The Japan Meteorological Agency also issued a statement online saying: 'Any such predictions should be considered unreliable.' How predictions have led to dip in tourism The rumour has had an impact on tourism, especially among East Asian visitors. Bloomberg Intelligence reported that bookings from Hong Kong have fallen by 50 per cent compared to 2024, and for the period from late June to early July, the drop is as steep as 83 per cent. While Japan hit a record in April with 3.9 million tourists, the number of visitors in May dropped. Arrivals from Hong Kong fell by 11 per cent year-on-year, according to the most recent data. Steve Huen from Hong Kong-based EGL Tours blamed the fall in numbers on viral social media posts. These posts refer to a manga that mentions a dream about a massive earthquake and tsunami hitting Japan and nearby countries in July 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Japan's megaquake warning that could kill 300,000 Back in April this year, a report by the Japanese government warned of the serious consequences if a major earthquake were to strike the Nankai Trough, an area off Japan's Pacific coast. The report estimated losses of around $1.81 trillion and suggested up to 300,000 people could lose their lives if the long-feared quake were to occur. A damaged road after an earthquake, in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Reuters/File Photo Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Experts believe there is an 80 per cent chance of a magnitude 8 to 9 earthquake hitting the Nankai Trough. The Nankai Trough is an undersea trench about 800 kilometres long, stretching from Hyuganada near Kyushu to Suruga Bay in central Japan. 🧵 Japan's next major Disaster, a Thread As we remember the 2011 megaquake, we must stay vigilant and prepared for the next major disaster that could strike Japan. Nankai megathrust earthquakes are massive quakes that occur along the Nankai Trough, where the Philippine Sea… — 由仁アリン Arin Yuni (@Arin_Yumi) March 11, 2025 For years, Japan has warned of a 70 to 80 per cent chance of a massive earthquake striking this region within the next three decades. The country has seen devastating disasters before, including the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, followed by a nuclear crisis. That 9.0-magnitude quake led to the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl. Japan sits on four major tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active places on Earth. With inputs from agencies
International Business Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
Will Great Disaster Strike Japan on July 15? Manga Artist Predicts Mega Earthquake
Japan is now a topic of discussion worldwide due to a grim prediction by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki. The Japanese graphic novel artist and psychic predicted a great disaster for the East Asian country on July 15. In her best-selling comic, The Future I Saw, she predicted that a mega earthquake would strike Japan in July. The complete version of her book Watashi ga Mita Mirai, Kanzenban (The Future That I Saw) contains her new prophecy about a major natural disaster. The cult work, published in 2021, mentioned a dream she had while travelling in India in July 2021. In her dream, the manga artist saw "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". According to her, she saw the seas boil as if she were looking at the earth as if it were on Google Earth. She had the dream again at 4.18 am on July 5, 2021. "The disaster will occur in July 2025. If the day you have a dream is the day it becomes reality, then the next great disaster will be July 5, 2025," Tatsuki wrote. The Impact The grim prediction by Ryo Tatsuki led to a dramatic fall in the bookings to Japan this summer. The prophecy gained massive traction online, resulting in a 50 percent dip in bookings to the country. Flight reservations to this East Asian country from Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong declined due to this prediction. "The earthquake prophecy has caused a big change to our customers' preferences," Frankie Chow, head of Hong Kong travel agency CLS Holiday, told AFP. Will Great Disaster Strike Japan on July 15? Here is the truth about the grim prediction by Ryo Tatsuki about a great disaster in Japan on July 15. The manga artist, 70, said in her new autobiography, The Testament of an Angel, that the prediction about a disaster next week would have been a misprint from the publisher's side. She stressed that July 15 was the day she had this dream in 2021. The editorial staff could have misinterpreted her words. "I was unhappy that it was published primarily based on the publisher's wishes. I vaguely remember mentioning it, but it appears to have been hurriedly written during a rush of work. The day I had the dream does not equal the day something happens," she told the Japanese newspaper The Sankei Shimbun. The Japanese graphic novel artist and psychic shared her happiness watching people show interest in The Future I Know. Over 1.06 million copies of the book have been sold, with a renewed interest in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia. "It is evidence of growing awareness of disaster prevention, and we view this as a positive thing. We would like to help in the event of a disaster, and hope that this interest will lead to safety measures and preparations. I have to be especially careful when I go out, and I also try to stock up on supplies in case of a disaster," she shared. Meanwhile, seismologists said that it is impossible to predict the exact date, time, and location of an earthquake. An earthquake can occur at any time. It is important to make preparations. "With current scientific knowledge, it is difficult to predict an earthquake by specifying its date, time, and location, so please be aware that earthquakes can occur at any time and make preparations on an ongoing basis," the Cabinet Office Disaster Prevention Division in Japan mentioned on X/Twitter. What is The Future I Saw? The cult work contains 15 dreams that the manga artist had in 1985. She wrote them in a notebook that her mother gifted her. The book gained traction after 13 of her dreams came true. Some of her dreams were about the deaths of Diana and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, a pandemic in 2020 – the coronavirus, and the Tōhoku earthquake in March 2011.
