Manga Prophecy Sparks Japan Travel Panic Ahead of July 5

A prediction by Japanese manga artist Ryo Tatsuki has caused significant concern in Japan and parts of Asia. Known as the "New Baba Vanga," Tatsuki's forecast has led to an 83% drop in flight bookings from Hong Kong to Japan between late June and early July. Her 1999 manga, The Future I Saw, warned of a disaster striking Japan on July 5.

In the republished version of her work, Tatsuki specified that a crack would open under the seabed between Japan and the Philippines on July 5. This event is predicted to unleash waves three times larger than those from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. As a result, Hong Kong Airlines suspended flights to southern Japanese cities like Kagoshima and Kumamoto for July and August due to reduced demand linked to fears of a tsunami and earthquake.

Impact on Travel

Flight bookings from Hong Kong have dropped by 50% compared to last year as the ominous date approaches, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Regional airlines, especially those using Boeing aircraft, have seen a 15–20% increase in cancellations. Even during April and May's popular spring holiday season, bookings fell by 50% from the previous year, according to a Hong Kong travel agency.

The typically high demand during Japan's cherry blossom season and Hong Kong's Easter holidays puzzled Greater Bay Airlines due to weak bookings. Hiroki Ito, general manager of the airline's Japan office, told The Guardian, "We expected around 80% of the seats to be filled, but actual reservations only reached 40%."

Reactions and Predictions

Miyagi Prefecture Governor Yoshihiro Murai attempted to calm public fears by urging people to ignore these rumors. He stated, "There's no reason to worry because the Japanese are not fleeing abroad. I hope people will ignore the rumors and visit." Despite this reassurance, many travelers have canceled or postponed their trips due to growing unease.

Tatsuki has made several accurate predictions before, including the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, Princess Diana's death, Freddie Mercury's passing, and the Covid-19 pandemic. She also warned about a deadlier Covid variant emerging in 2030.

The anxiety surrounding this prediction highlights its impact on travel plans and regional airlines' operations. As July 5 approaches, uncertainty continues to affect tourism between Hong Kong and Japan significantly.