By News Desk 
A Nation on Edge—But Not Due to Science
Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, is once again in the grip of anxiety. This time, however, it isn’t scientific forecasts that have people alarmed—it’s a dream by a manga artist that has stirred public fear. Ryo Tatsuki, often dubbed the “Japanese Baba Vanga” on social media, has predicted a major natural disaster for July 2025 in her book The Future I Saw. Her chilling vision includes a massive tsunami and volcanic eruption, which, though unconfirmed, has had a psychological impact across the country.
Who Is Ryo Tatsuki?
Not a Prophet, But Her Visions Resonate
Ryo Tatsuki is a manga artist who insists she is not a prophet. Yet, her 1999 publication The Future I Saw gained notoriety for appearing to foresee several real-world events: the 1995 Kobe earthquake, the 2011 tsunami in Japan, and even the death of Freddie Mercury. In a 2021 updated edition of the book, she vividly describes a catastrophic event involving a boiling ocean and tsunami set to occur in July 2025. These predictions, drawn from her dreams and depicted in manga format, have led some fans to liken her to Baba Vanga, a mystic famed for her accurate prophecies.
Tourism Takes a Hit Amid Rising Anxiety
Up to 50% Drop in Travel Bookings
Tatsuki’s grim prediction has sent shockwaves through Japan’s tourism industry. Reports indicate a 30% to 50% decline in bookings at popular tourist spots. Travelers from Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are among the most concerned, with many postponing or canceling their summer holidays. A hotel manager told the Japan Daily that their July reservations had suddenly plummeted by half—driven not by any official warnings, but by the widespread fear triggered by a manga prediction.
Social Media Frenzy Fuels the Panic
From Hashtags to Emergency Prep
The hashtag #July2025Prediction is trending across Japanese social media. As the buzz grows, sales of emergency kits, flashlights, and water filters are surging. Discussions are erupting on Reddit, YouTube, and Japanese forums, where users are debating the authenticity of Tatsuki’s dreams and comparing her manga illustrations to geological data. While some view it as a quirky part of pop culture, others are treating the prediction as a genuine threat.
Is There Any Scientific Basis?
Experts Weigh In on the Claims
Tatsuki’s vision references a “boiling ocean” and “underwater fissure” in the Pacific Ring of Fire—one of the most geologically volatile zones on Earth. Despite this, no credible agencies such as the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) or the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have issued any related alerts. Experts emphasize that there’s no scientific evidence to support the manga artist’s claims.
Professor Takashi Kawamura, a geophysicist at Tohoku University, addressed the situation, stating, “What we’re seeing is a psychological reaction rooted in fiction, not science.” He added that Japan is under constant seismic monitoring, and no indicators currently support the possibility of such a disaster.
Conclusion: Fiction or Premonition?
Ryo Tatsuki’s manga has undoubtedly captured the imagination—and fear—of many. While there’s no scientific foundation for her predictions, the emotional and economic effects are very real. As July 2025 approaches, Japan finds itself in a curious limbo—straddling the line between myth and reality, fear and reason.