A chilling prophecy by famed Japanese manga artist Ryo Tatsuki—dubbed the “New Baba Vanga”—has triggered a wave of panic across Japan and parts of Asia, causing a dramatic plunge in travel demand. Her unsettling forecast has led to an 83% drop in flight bookings from Hong Kong to Japan for the period between late June and early July.
Tatsuki, whose eerie predictions have come true in the past—including the 2011 Tohoku tsunami, Princess Diana’s death, and the Covid-19 pandemic—warned of a catastrophic event set to strike Japan on July 5. The prediction stems from her 1999 manga “The Future I Saw,” which has recently resurfaced, sparking renewed fear.
According to the manga, a “crack will open under the seabed between Japan and the Philippines,” unleashing waves three times taller than those from the devastating Tohoku tsunami.
The impact on tourism has been immediate and severe:
Hong Kong Airlines has suspended flights to Japanese cities Kagoshima and Kumamoto throughout July and August due to plummeting demand.
Regional carriers, especially those operating Boeing aircraft, report a 15–20% surge in cancellations.
Spring bookings—usually strong during cherry blossom and Easter holidays—were slashed by 50% compared to previous years.
Hiroki Ito, GM of Greater Bay Airlines’ Japan office, expressed confusion, noting, “We expected 80% seat occupancy, but actual reservations were only at 40%.”
Despite the growing panic, Miyagi Prefecture Governor Yoshihiro Murai is urging calm:
“There’s no reason to panic. Japanese citizens are not fleeing. I hope people will ignore these rumors and continue visiting.”
Tatsuki has also made another grim forecast—claiming that a deadlier form of Covid will re-emerge in 2030.
With July 5 fast approaching, all eyes are on Japan. Whether the prophecy proves true or not, its impact is already being felt across the region.