Japanese fortune teller and former manga artist Ryo Tatsuki has caused alarm after predicting a major disaster for July 5. Known for her vivid prophetic dreams since the 1980s, Tatsuki gained attention for seemingly predicting Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami. In her 1999 book The Future I Saw, she now foresees the ocean “boiling” south of Japan—interpreted by many as a warning of an undersea volcanic eruption leading to a massive tsunami. The predicted impact zone includes Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Northern Mariana Islands, sparking widespread concern.

As a result, tourism in Japan has taken a hit, particularly in cities like Kagoshima and Kumamoto. Travel bookings have plummeted by 50%, and Hong Kong Airlines is cutting flights to affected areas through July and August. The Chinese embassy’s earlier warnings about natural disasters have further fueled fears. However, officials like Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai have dismissed the prediction as unscientific and criticized the panic it has caused. He urged travelers to remain calm and continue visiting Japan, emphasizing that locals are not evacuating and that the country remains safe for tourists.