Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Natalie Wilson

How an apocalyptic comic book prediction hit Japan’s tourism industry

  • A 1999 manga comic, The Future I Saw by Ryo Tatsuki, has caused a significant drop in travel bookings to Japan due to its prediction of a major earthquake and tsunami on July 5, 2025.
  • Hong Kong travel agencies reported up to a 50 per cent drop in Japan bookings during the Easter holiday, with some agencies seeing up to 80 per cent fewer inquiries.
  • The comic gained a cult following after Tatsuki's previous prediction coincided with the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, leading to amplified warnings on social media by psychics and influencers.
  • Despite scientific consensus that earthquakes cannot be precisely predicted, and warnings from Japanese officials against unscientific rumors, the fear-mongering has impacted tourism from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam.
  • The manga artist, Ryo Tatsuki, has reportedly urged travellers not to be "overly swayed" by her dreams and to act appropriately based on expert opinions.

IN FULL

Popular manga’s ‘catastrophe warning’ for Japan triggers mass travel cancellations and tourism slump

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.