The ‘prediction’ of the Manga disaster may still affect Japanese tourism

Japan has seen a drop in tourism — especially from Hong Kong — because of foresight a manga creator who some people consider psychic. Ryo Tatsuki, a mangaka, became famous after her dream book allegedly predicted the 2011 earthquake. When she published another book, which said that there would be a terrible earthquake in Japan on July 5, 2025, many Hong Kongers decided not to go to Japan.

Obviously, July 5, 2025 is now in the rearview mirror nothing like her prediction happened. However, Japan is still facing a drop in tourists from Hong Kong, and points to a prophecy.

Even after July 5th had passed, some people on the Internet claimed that the prediction had come true and pointed to the massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia that occurred on July 30th. Essentially, they claim that because Russia is near Japan, and because July 5th and July 30th are still July, the prophecy has come true. So the forecast is still alive on the internet and obviously still influencing some people’s travel decisions.

Takamatsu Airport took the opportunity of a recent city council meeting to say that it still does not have previous numbers from Hong Kong. It is going to try new initiatives and promotions to try to get more Hong Kong people to fly.

SoraNews24 shared some of the online responses from people in Japan to the airport news:

“Someone made a profit by predicting a disaster without any basis. The affected businesses have the right to demand compensation.”
“The decline in Chinese tourists is not because of manga, but because of the economic downturn due to the real estate bubble.”
“People in big cities can get tired of tourists, but the countryside needs them the most.”
“Maybe it’s a good thing the numbers have calmed down for a while.”

Source: SoraNews24

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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestseller Manga art for beginners with artist Melanie Westin, as well as its sequel, Manga art for everyoneas well as a first-of-its-kind chalked manga book Chalk Art Mangaboth illustrated by professional Japanese manga artist Rena Saya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.