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The internet has been set ablaze by the prophecy of a 70-year-old manga artist, Ryo Tatsuki, about a catastrophic tsunami in Japan predicted to occur on July 5th. This prediction, drawn from her manga which fans claim has accurately depicted past events, has instilled enough fear to cause tourists to reconsider and ultimately cancel their trips to the nation. The core of the hysteria stems from Tatsuki's comic book, reputedly inspired by her own dreams, where fans believe she foreshadowed significant occurrences such as the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami, the deaths of iconic figures like Freddie Mercury and Princess Diana, and even the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, all within the pages of her manga titled 'The Future I Saw.' The anticipation surrounding July 5th, originating from the revised edition of 'The Future I Saw,' paints a grim picture: 'the ocean floor between Japan and the Philippines will crack.' Furthermore, the prophecy outlines a massive tsunami, allegedly three times the magnitude of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011, poised to devastate the southwest region of Japan. 'The Future I Saw,' first published on July 1, 1999, is more than just a comic book; it's a compilation of Tatsuki's dreams and diary entries transformed into a graphic narrative. While initially overlooked, the manga gained significant traction following the devastating Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, when readers noted the cover's uncanny depiction of a disaster mirroring the events of March that year. This catastrophe, resulting in over 18,000 fatalities, especially due to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, catapulted the manga into prominence. However, due to the scarcity and high cost of original copies, the author remained relatively unknown until 2021. In 2021, publishing company Asuka Shinsha released a reprint edition titled 'The Future I Saw: Complete Edition,' selling over 500,000 copies in Japan. This event solidified Tatsuki's reputation as a gifted clairvoyant capable of foreseeing the future within her comics. She has reportedly documented dreams dating back to the 1990s, some of which have eerily mirrored real-world events. These include the untimely death of Freddie Mercury in 1991, the tragic passing of Princess Diana in 1997, the Kobe earthquake in 1995, and the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Given the perceived accuracy of her premonitions, Tatsuki has earned the moniker 'Japanese Baba Vanga,' a tribute to the late Bulgarian mystic renowned for her accurate predictions of major global events, including the 9/11 attacks, the rise of ISIS, and the election of Barack Obama. The fear generated by Tatsuki's predictions for July 5th has resulted in a decline in Japanese tourism, with thousands of Taiwanese, Chinese, and South Korean tourists opting to cancel their summer trips to the country. This vision first surfaced online back in May, further fueling anxieties and causing ripple effects throughout the travel industry. Social media platforms are awash with divided opinions, as users debate the validity of the prophecies. Some believe implicitly in Tatsuki's predictions, while others vehemently reject them. One X user shared their apprehension, stating, 'I don't want to look paranoid but my gut is telling me something will happen on July 5th, I mean Ryo Tatsuki has already predicted the Kobe and 2011 Japan earthquakes. I wouldn't be surprised if she got this one right.' Another X user expressed a fatalistic view, posting, 'It is predicted that the day after tomorrow, July 5, 2025, Japan, where I live, will be destroyed by an earthquake or other terrible event. My life was short, but my life was very good. Thank u to everyone outside of Japan.' Conversely, skeptics have been vocal in their dismissal of the prophecies. One netizen tweeted, 'I do not believe it. There will be no catastrophe in Japan on July 5, 2025.' Another X user echoed similar sentiments, commenting, 'I’m honestly still shocked that, even in 2025, so many people continue to believe in conspiracy theories.' As the world's attention remains fixated on Japan, particularly around the predicted date in July, scientists have observed slow-slip earthquakes occurring in the Nankai Trough, a subduction zone where the Philippine Sea Plate is being forced beneath Japan. Despite these observations, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued statements advising the public to view the predictions with skepticism, deeming them unreliable. Compounding the situation, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck Kagoshima Prefecture at 4.13pm JST on July 3, registering an intensity of less than 6 on the Japanese scale of 0 to 7. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency clarified that this earthquake did not trigger a tsunami.
The phenomenon surrounding Ryo Tatsuki and her prophetic manga highlights the enduring human fascination with the future and the allure of prediction, even when presented through unconventional mediums. The manga itself, a blend of personal dreams and diary entries, provides a unique window into Tatsuki's subconscious, which many interpret as a conduit to future events. The appeal of such narratives often lies in their ability to tap into deep-seated anxieties about potential disasters and uncertainties, offering a sense of control or preparedness, however illusory, in the face of the unknown. The widespread panic and subsequent travel cancellations demonstrate the powerful influence of these narratives, even in a world increasingly reliant on scientific data and rational analysis. While the Japan Meteorological Agency attempts to temper fears with scientific reassurances, the emotional impact of Tatsuki's predictions persists, revealing the complex interplay between belief, fear, and scientific understanding in shaping public perception and behavior. Furthermore, the media coverage of the event, while aimed at reporting the news, inadvertently amplifies the narrative, further fueling anxieties and contributing to the collective apprehension surrounding the predicted date. The spread of information and misinformation through social media further complicates the matter, with echo chambers reinforcing existing beliefs and hindering constructive dialogue. Ultimately, the Ryo Tatsuki case serves as a potent reminder of the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in navigating a world saturated with information and often conflicting narratives. The incident also raises important questions about the ethical responsibilities of individuals and organizations in disseminating information, particularly when it has the potential to incite fear or cause widespread disruption. The balance between freedom of expression and the potential for harm is a complex one, and the Ryo Tatsuki phenomenon underscores the need for careful consideration and responsible communication in the digital age.
The Ryo Tatsuki situation also underscores the enduring power of cultural narratives and mythology in shaping human behavior. Throughout history, societies have relied on myths, legends, and prophecies to make sense of the world and to guide their actions. In many ways, Tatsuki's manga has taken on a similar role, providing a framework for understanding potential future events and influencing decisions, even in the absence of concrete evidence. The comparison to Baba Vanga further reinforces this connection, drawing on a well-established tradition of prophetic figures who are believed to possess unique insights into the future. The fact that Tatsuki's predictions are presented in the form of a manga, a popular and accessible medium, further enhances their appeal and reach, particularly among younger generations. The visual nature of the manga allows for a more immersive and emotionally engaging experience, making the predictions feel more real and immediate. Moreover, the manga's blend of reality and fantasy blurs the lines between fiction and fact, making it easier for readers to suspend disbelief and embrace the possibility of future events unfolding as depicted. The fact that Tatsuki's past predictions have seemingly come true, even if coincidental or based on broad interpretations, further strengthens her credibility in the eyes of her followers. This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy, where belief in the predictions leads to behaviors that ultimately contribute to their realization. For example, the cancellation of tourist trips to Japan, driven by fear of the predicted tsunami, has a tangible economic impact, regardless of whether the tsunami actually occurs. In conclusion, the Ryo Tatsuki phenomenon is a complex interplay of psychological, cultural, and technological factors. It highlights the enduring human fascination with the future, the power of cultural narratives to shape behavior, and the challenges of navigating a world saturated with information and misinformation. While the scientific community may dismiss Tatsuki's predictions as unreliable, their impact on public perception and behavior is undeniable, underscoring the need for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between science, belief, and culture.