Introduction
In recent years, few predictions have stirred up as much discussion and speculation as the one made by retired Japanese manga artist Tatsuki Ryo. Her claim that a “catastrophic event” would occur on July 5, 2025, has resurfaced in international headlines, causing ripples from Japan to Hong Kong. But what exactly did she predict, and how seriously should we take it? Let’s explore the origins, contents, and social implications of her prophecy.
1. Who Is Tatsuki Ryo?
Tatsuki Ryo (たつき諒) is a former manga artist best known for her 1999 publication, “Watashi ga Mita Mirai” (“The Future I Saw”). In this autobiographical comic, she recounted dreams she had over the years, some of which seemed eerily predictive—most notably, a dream from 1996 that many believe foreshadowed the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
After her work was rediscovered in the 2010s, it was reprinted as a “Complete Edition” (Kanzenban) in 2021, which included additional dream entries—one of which sparked the current controversy.
2. The July 5 Prophecy – What Was Actually Written?
In the Complete Edition, Tatsuki describes a dream she had on July 5, the year unspecified in the original dream, but later linked to 2025 through contextual interpretation.
Key Elements of the Prophecy:
- Date: July 5 (emphasized as “the day I had the dream”)
- Event: A massive natural disaster involving a gigantic tsunami, possibly triggered by a submarine volcanic eruption.
- Location: Somewhere off the Philippine Sea Plate, with possible catastrophic effects on Japan’s Pacific coast.
- Scale: She described the disaster as being “more than three times worse than the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.”
Importantly, Tatsuki never claimed the disaster would definitely happen on that specific date. Rather, she saw it as a symbolic warning, suggesting July 5 could be a day to raise awareness and prepare mentally.
3. Misinformation and Public Panic
The prophecy went viral internationally in 2024 and early 2025, particularly in parts of Asia, where social media accounts misrepresented Tatsuki’s writings. False rumors spread that the event would occur at 4:18 AM on July 5, leading to widespread anxiety and:
- A sharp decline in flight bookings to Japan (especially from Hong Kong)
- Tour cancellations
- Panic buying of emergency supplies
These effects were so significant that airlines like HK Express reportedly reduced or canceled services to destinations like Sendai and Tokushima, citing “unusual drops in demand.”
4. What Did Tatsuki Herself Say?
In interviews and a follow-up publication titled “Tenshi-teki Yuigon” (“An Angel’s Testament”), Tatsuki clarified:
“I never said the world would end on July 5. That was simply the date of the dream. People have misunderstood my intention. My message is to be prepared, not to panic.”
She emphasized that her dreams should be taken as metaphors and spiritual insights—not scientific predictions.
5. Expert Opinions
- Seismologists and the Japan Meteorological Agency have reaffirmed that no one can predict the exact date, time, or location of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions with current technology.
- Legal scholars noted that predictions like this fall under free expression and are not legally punishable unless they lead to harm through fraud or coercion.
- Some psychologists have warned about the dangers of “apocalypse anxiety” spreading through misinformation and unverified online sources.
6. So What Can We Learn From This?
Despite the anxiety it caused, the July 5 prophecy does offer one practical lesson: preparedness. Japan is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. Rather than dismissing such predictions outright or treating them as gospel, they can serve as a reminder to:
- Review evacuation plans
- Stock emergency kits
- Stay informed through official channels
Conclusion: Prophecy or Wake-Up Call?
While the evidence does not support the idea that a specific catastrophe will strike on July 5, the story of Tatsuki Ryo’s dream has captured global attention for a reason. It reflects our collective fear of the unknown—and the power of art and memory to warn, imagine, and inspire.
In the end, whether her dream was prophecy or poetry, it reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of being ready for whatever may come.
Call to Action:
Don’t fear the date. Prepare for the future.
Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay safe.