In early 2025, social media and parts of the Asian press were abuzz with a chilling prediction: a catastrophic disaster would strike Japan on July 5, 2025. Here’s how a manga, social fear, and misinformation converged to stir anxiety—and even hit tourism.
📖 Origin: Manga “The Future I Saw”
The rumor stems from Tatsuki Ryō’s 2021 manga edition of The Future I Saw, in which the author highlights a prophetic dream warning of a “great disaster” in July 2025. While he first gained attention for referencing March 2011 (prior to the Tōhoku quake), the July date is never explicitly tied to July 5 in his work—only that a major calamity is possible in July 2025 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
🌪 How the Rumor Spread
- Dates, especially “July 5” and “4:18 AM”, emerged from readers linking dream-record dates to predictions, although Tatsuki himself hasn’t confirmed exact timing :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- SNS posts and YouTube videos—many in Chinese and English—spread the message globally, with platforms like Bilibili and Xiaohongshu amplifying concerns :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Domestic reporting urged calm, but overseas media coverage in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and elsewhere deepened anxiety :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
🔎 Scientific & Official Pushback
Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) and Cabinet Office quickly dismissed the claims. Director‑General Nomura labeled the prophecy a “hoax” and explained that pinpoint earthquake predictions are scientifically impossible :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Experts reiterated that no data supports any predicted event on July 5, 2025, despite the rumors’ emotional appeal :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
🚨 Real‑World Effects
Nevertheless, panic moved from online to reality:
- Tourism from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea dropped significantly—Hong Kong flight bookings fell by up to 83% around July :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Airlines like Greater Bay and Hong Kong Airlines reduced Japan routes :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Bloomberg Intelligence estimated the rumor could cost Japan ¥560 billion (US $4 billion) in inbound revenue :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
🧠 Why Do Such Rumors Spread?
Psychologists and media scholars point to:
- The appeal of prophetic claims—especially when someone “predicted” 2011.
- COVID-era anxiety and proximity to natural disasters.
- SNS algorithms that prioritize fear-driven content :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Influence from popular fortune-tellers or astrological figures in Asia :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
📌 Key Takeaways
- No scientific evidence: Experts confirm that earthquake timing cannot be predicted with precision :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Global economic ripple: Rumors impacted tourism and flights—highlighting how digital fears can affect real industries :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Importance of preparedness: Authorities stress that regardless of rumors, disaster readiness and verified information are essential :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
📝 Conclusion
The “July 5, 2025 Great Disaster” prediction is rooted in a blend of prophetic manga, fearful interpretation, and viral amplification—and lacks any factual or scientific basis. However, its cultural and economic impact shows how quickly digital rumors can spread and influence behavior. In an era of information overload, prioritizing credible sources and staying prepared matters more than ever.
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