Japan braces for July 5 panic as manga prophecy, 474 quakes, and Kyushu volcano spark fear

Japan’s remote Tokara Islands have been shaken by 474 earthquakes over a span of just six days, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Although most were minor, at least two tremors reached magnitude 5.0–5.1, shaking homes and rattling nerves across the region. The seismic unrest has coincided with the eruption of Mount Shinmoe, a long-dormant volcano in Kyushu, renewing fears linked to a viral prophecy made by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki.

Tatsuki’s 1999 manga The Future I Saw predicts a massive natural disaster on July 5, 2025, warning of a mega-tsunami stronger than the 2011 Tōhoku catastrophe and cities vanishing into the sea. As that date nears, the convergence of real seismic activity and fictional forewarning has created a wave of public anxiety, drawing unprecedented attention from both the Japanese public and global media.

What makes the current earthquake swarm in the Tokara Islands geopolitically and seismologically significant for Japan?

The Tokara Islands are located in a highly seismic zone between the southern tip of Kyushu and Okinawa. Though only seven islands are inhabited, the area lacks rapid evacuation capabilities and is dependent on limited ferry access, raising concerns about emergency response preparedness in the event of a larger quake.

Japan’s institutions have dramatically overhauled disaster readiness systems since the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami. While the current tremor swarm remains within historical norms, it presents a live test of these upgraded protocols in a geologically active but logistically fragile region.

How are national and local authorities responding to the July 5 prophecy amid mounting seismic activity?

In response to the growing public unease, the JMA has urged caution but stressed that the recent activity is consistent with past regional patterns. “This region has seen long periods of earthquake activity in the past. Please be careful,” stated the meteorological department.

Yoshihiro Murai, governor of Miyagi Prefecture, emphasized that there is no official warning connected to either the tremors or the manga prophecy. “People should stay calm and not change their behavior due to unverified predictions,” he said, discouraging panic-fueled disruptions.

JMA director Ryoichi Nomura reiterated that earthquake prediction cannot be tied to a specific day, magnitude, or location. He categorically dismissed the manga’s claim as misinformation, urging the public to rely on scientific alerts rather than fiction.

Why has this century-old manga reignited widespread public concern about a disaster on 5 July 2025?

First published on July 1, 1999, The Future I Saw compiles Tatsuki’s illustrated dreams and visions between 1985 and 1999. The book’s eerie prediction of a catastrophic event on July 5, 2025, has gone viral in recent months. Its haunting imagery—of skyscrapers crumbling and tidal waves crashing into coastlines—has captured imaginations across TikTok, Reddit, and Weibo.

Sales of the manga have skyrocketed. According to its publisher, Asahi Sonorama, more than 900,000 copies have been sold, including Chinese translations. Tatsuki, now called Japan’s “New Baba Vanga,” is being credited by believers for allegedly forecasting the 2011 Tōhoku disaster, Princess Diana’s death, and even COVID-19.

Critics, however, caution that the hype is based on confirmation bias and coincidence. Experts point out that while the timing of real-world tremors is unsettling, no scientific basis links them to the manga narrative.

How has the prediction affected tourism and public sentiment in key East Asian markets?

The prophecy’s psychological ripple has reached well beyond Japan’s borders. In Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea, flight cancellations have surged. Some Japan-bound travel routes have seen booking drops as steep as 83%, according to flight occupancy data from late June through early July.

Airlines such as Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines have reduced routes to regions like Miyagi and Sendai. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, bookings from Hong Kong alone have dropped by 50% year-over-year, threatening Japan’s tourism recovery in specific corridors.

In response, Japan’s tourism ministry and regional governments have launched reassurance campaigns, including “Travel Safe, Japan Is Ready,” to counter misinformation and rebuild confidence.

What historical and institutional lessons from Japan’s past disasters are informing the current governmental response?

Japan’s 2011 disaster reshaped its approach to natural emergencies. The country now boasts one of the world’s most advanced early-warning systems, spanning tsunami sirens, automated transit shutdowns, and mobile alerts.

Despite this institutional strength, emotional scars remain. The 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, which killed over 400 people on New Year’s Day, served as a stark reminder of Japan’s seismic vulnerability—even when systems perform as designed.

These experiences inform the government’s communication strategy today: calm clarity, zero speculation, and a focus on preparedness over panic. Authorities continue to emphasize readiness drills, emergency kit availability, and reliance on JMA alerts.

How are experts and the public reacting to the blend of factual seismic activity and fictional prophecy?

The scientific consensus is unequivocal. Earthquake prediction to a specific date remains impossible. Seismologists have dismissed the July 5 prophecy as “scientifically unfounded” and are urging the public not to conflate narrative entertainment with geological science.

Online forums reflect a polarized sentiment. While many users on platforms like Reddit’s r/NaturalDisasters call the manga a “coincidence at best,” others argue that its past parallels lend it credibility.

Amid the noise, Japan’s official institutions are doubling down on verified communication. Consular alerts in Taiwan and Hong Kong are being closely monitored, while domestic agencies urge residents and tourists to rely only on official sources like the JMA and national broadcaster NHK.

What psychological and economic impact does the “New Baba Vanga” phenomenon have on Japan’s society and markets?

Psychologically, the convergence of real tremors and fictional forecasts has rattled public trust—even as authorities insist the risks are unchanged. Economically, regional tourism sectors—particularly in Kyushu and Okinawa—are bracing for lower visitor inflows in early July due to sentiment-driven cancellations.

Tourism is a cornerstone of Japan’s GDP, accounting for approximately 7%. While national tourism remains robust, with a record 3.9 million inbound travelers in April 2025 alone, regional imbalances driven by speculative fear could impact local economies dependent on seasonal footfall.

To counter this, prefectural tourism boards are investing in influencer partnerships, safety assurance messaging, and real-time travel updates to keep bookings intact and maintain market stability.

What should people planning travel to Japan in July 2025 know based on current facts and official guidance?

As of now, no formal warnings have been issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Authorities confirm that the Tokara Island earthquake swarm is within historical norms, and there is no scientific indication of a mega-disaster on July 5.

Travelers are encouraged to proceed with plans, while ensuring standard earthquake preparedness—such as downloading alert apps, confirming hotel evacuation procedures, and registering with embassies if necessary.

For real-time updates, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), JMA, and NHK remain the most reliable sources. Fictional manga should be consumed as entertainment—not predictive evidence.

What do experts and institutions say about Japan’s earthquake risks and the July 5 manga prophecy?

While the psychological tension stirred by Ryo Tatsuki’s manga prophecy is undeniable, Japan’s current seismic situation does not warrant panic. Earthquakes are routine in this region, and the country’s institutional capacity to respond is unmatched. As July 5 approaches, the best defense remains rational preparedness—not viral predictions.