14 years ago, a forecast of the manga “The Future I saw” by artist Ryo Tatsuki proved true with an earthquake that hit northern Japan.
The Japanese comic, published in 1999, was reviewed in 2021 and, in a more complete version, now states that the next major earthquake will take place in the country in July 2025.
Even with the claims of seismologists about the impossibility of predicting the exact date of a seismic shock, the warning already impacts tourism in Japan, according to the CNN.
In addition to the manga forecast, numerous seers in Japan and Hong Kong have also released similar warnings.
Panic spread among travelers and, according to travel agencies, reserves for Japan have fallen, especially between tourists from mainland China and Hong Kong, which are the second and fourth main sources of tourists in the country.
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The warnings of the earthquake did not only come from the manga or seers, but also from the Japanese government.
A report released by the government in March brought new calculations on financial losses if a magnitude 9 earthquake reaches the Nankai pit region in the south of the country.
In January, the government had already stated the possibility of 80% that the ‘great earthquake’ (as it is called in the country) will occur in the next 30 years.
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According to the calculations presented in March, the event could cause economic losses of up to $ 1.8 trillion, leaving 12 million people homeless.
Manga forecasts, which sold over 900,000 copies, according to its editor, made the publication famous not only in Japan, but also in other parts of Asia, such as Thailand and China.
The comic was also published in Chinese and includes other predictions, as well as natural disasters.
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Fans believed he also predicted the deaths of Princess Diana and singer Freddie Mercury, as well as the covid-19 pandemic; However, critics claim that their views are very vague to be taken seriously.
Even with the possible ‘warnings’ and the wave of cancellations, tourism in Japan continues to prosper.
The country saw a significant increase in the number of visitors, which reached the impressive mark of 10.5 million in the first three months of 2025, according to data released by the National Tourism Organization of Japan.
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This growth is largely driven by the arrival of tourists from mainland China, who totaled 2.36 million in the same period, representing an increase of 78% over the previous year.
In addition to the Chinese visitors, Japan also received about 647,600 Hong Kong tourists, resulting in a general growth of 3.9% compared to last year.
The country’s appeal extended beyond the borders of East Asia, with 343,000 Americans, 68,000 Canadians and 85,000 Australians visiting Japan in March.
