Japanese Baba Vanga's July 5 disaster prediction sparks panic as earthquake hits days earlier in Japan

Time of India

16 hours ago

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Thursday, just days before a widely discussed prophecy predicted a major disaster. The quake's epicenter was near the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, around 1,200 km from Tokyo.
Although no tsunami warning was issued, public anxiety has intensified due to a viral 2021 manga by Ryo Tatsuki, which foretells a catastrophic event on July 5, 2025. The artist, often dubbed 'Japan's Baba Vanga,' has previously predicted global events accurately. The timing of the tremor has sparked fear online, despite reassurances from officials urging the public to remain calm and ignore speculation.
Manga artist Ryo Tatsuki predicts disaster in Japan as earthquake hits days earlier
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the quake occurred off the coast of the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, located nearly 1,200 kilometers southwest of Tokyo.
The tremor was measured at 5.5 on the Richter scale, a level considered moderate but capable of causing localized damage.
The most significant seismic impact was felt on Akuseki Island, where a "6-lower" intensity level was recorded on Japan's 7-point seismic scale. This level of shaking can result in items falling, wall cracks in older buildings, and mild structural damage. Despite the strong tremors in isolated areas, officials confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued.
Manga artist 2021 prophecy gains attention after Japan's earthquake hits
The timing of the earthquake has drawn widespread attention due to a viral prophecy made by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, often referred to as 'Japan's Baba Vanga'.
In her 2021 manga titled The Future I Saw, Tatsuki claims to have dreamt of a devastating disaster occurring on July 5, 2025.
The manga offers no specific details about the nature of the disaster, but the date has become a trending topic across Japanese social media platforms. Hashtags such as
#July5Disaster
have gone viral, prompting speculation about potential earthquakes, tsunamis, or even cyberattacks.
Tatsuki is known for eerily accurate predictions in the past, including the deaths of Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury, the 2011 Kobe earthquake, and even the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan's tourism sector feels the impact of viral disaster rumours
The viral speculation has had a noticeable impact on tourism. Several foreign travelers have reportedly cancelled their trips to Japan this summer out of fear. According to the reports, Greater Bay Airlines, based in Hong Kong, reduced flights to Japan in May, citing a sharp decline in passenger demand.
Some local tourism officials expressed concern that online panic and misinformation are affecting travel decisions, despite there being no official advisory warning of impending danger.
In response to growing speculation, Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai addressed the public, encouraging calm.
'There's no need for concern—Japanese citizens aren't leaving the country… I urge everyone to ignore these rumors and continue visiting Japan,'
Murai stated.
Japanese authorities emphasised that no credible scientific body has supported the manga-based predictions, and there is no evidence of an impending catastrophic event.
Japan urges calm as prophecy stirs quake concerns ahead of July 5
While the prophecy has fueled panic, earthquake preparedness is always top of mind in Japan. Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country experiences frequent seismic activity. Experts maintain that while a 'megaquake' is inevitable, predicting the exact time or location remains impossible.
Government agencies continue to invest in early warning systems, building codes, and public education to mitigate the impact of future quakes.
As one official put it: 'Preparedness is key—not panic.' Although the recent earthquake and its coincidence with a predicted disaster date have created a stir, scientists and meteorological authorities stress that natural disasters should be assessed through data, not dreams. Japan remains vigilant, resilient, and committed to safeguarding its people through science and planning—not prophecy.
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