Psychic Tsunami Prediction Sparks 83% Drop in Japan Flight Bookings

Key Takeaways

• Ryo Tatsuki predicted a massive tsunami hitting Japan on July 5, 2025, causing an 83% drop in flight bookings.
• Japanese officials and scientists dismissed the prediction as unscientific and urged the public to trust official sources.
• The tourism and airline industries faced severe financial losses due to cancellations and reduced demand after the prediction.

As of July 2025, Japan 🇯🇵 faces a sharp drop in tourism and travel chaos after manga artist and self-proclaimed psychic Ryo Tatsuki predicted a catastrophic disaster would strike the country. Airlines, travel agencies, and tourists have all felt the effects, even though no scientific evidence supports the claim. The situation highlights how rumors and social media can cause real-world problems, especially in disaster-prone regions.

Widespread Panic After Ryo Tatsuki’s Prediction

Ryo Tatsuki, known for her manga series The Future I Saw, made headlines with a bold prediction: a massive tsunami would hit Japan 🇯🇵 on July 5, 2025. She described seeing the ocean south of Japan “boiling” and warned of a tsunami three times larger than the one that struck in 2011. Her vision included possible devastation reaching Taiwan 🇹🇼, Indonesia 🇮🇩, and the Philippines 🇵🇭. The prediction quickly spread across East Asia, causing fear and confusion.

By July 10, 2025, no such disaster had occurred. Still, the damage to Japan’s tourism and travel industry was already done. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the prophecy led to an 83% drop in flight bookings to Japan 🇯🇵 for late June and early July, especially from Hong Kong, Taiwan 🇹🇼, and South Korea. Airlines, particularly those based in Hong Kong, reduced or canceled flights to Japan 🇯🇵 as demand collapsed. Travel agencies and tour operators reported severe financial setbacks, with hotel and tour bookings also plummeting.

Immediate Impact on Travel and Airlines

The effect of Ryo Tatsuki’s prediction on the travel sector was swift and severe:

• Flight Bookings: Bookings to Japan 🇯🇵 dropped by up to 83% for the late June–early July period.
• Flight Cancellations: Airlines, especially in East Asia, canceled or reduced flights to Japan 🇯🇵 due to low demand.
• Tourism Losses: Hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies faced major financial losses as tourists canceled trips.
• Refunds and Rescheduling: Many travelers asked for refunds or to reschedule their trips. Policies varied by airline and agency, leading to confusion and frustration for customers.

A spokesperson for a major Hong Kong-based airline said, “We have never seen such a sudden and sharp drop in bookings. Our flights to Japan 🇯🇵 are running almost empty, and we’ve had to cancel several routes for July.”

Official and Expert Responses: Science vs. Rumor

Japanese 🇯🇵 officials and scientists acted quickly to calm the public and correct misinformation. Miyagi Prefecture Governor Yoshihiro Murai called the prediction “an unscientific rumor” and urged travelers not to be swayed by fear. He stressed that there is no scientific way to predict the exact timing or location of earthquakes or tsunamis.

Seismologists and disaster experts, including Professor Sekiya Naoya and Professor Kimiro Meguro from the University of Tokyo, strongly rejected Ryo Tatsuki’s claims. They explained that while Japan 🇯🇵 is at risk for earthquakes and tsunamis due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” no credible scientific body has issued a specific warning for July 2025. Professor Meguro stated, “Spreading such rumors only causes unnecessary panic and economic harm. People should trust official sources, not psychic predictions.”

Even Ryo Tatsuki herself urged the public not to take her predictions too seriously. She advised people to listen to experts and not let fear guide their decisions.

Broader Context: Japan’s Real Disaster Risks

Japan 🇯🇵 is no stranger to natural disasters. The country sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. In April 2025, the Japanese government’s disaster task force warned that a mega-quake off the Pacific coast could cause up to 298,000 deaths. However, this warning was based on long-term risk models, not psychic visions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency and other official bodies regularly monitor seismic activity and issue warnings when needed. As of July 2025, no official agency had issued any special alert for the period around Ryo Tatsuki’s predicted date. The government continues to remind the public that travel to Japan 🇯🇵 remains safe and that all advisories are based on scientific data, not rumors.

Social and Economic Effects: Anxiety and Financial Losses

The spread of Ryo Tatsuki’s prediction on social media fueled public anxiety, especially among travelers from neighboring countries. Many people canceled or postponed trips to Japan 🇯🇵, leading to:

• Tourism Downturn: Travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and related businesses suffered heavy losses as cancellations mounted.
• Mass Cancellations: Tourists from Hong Kong, Taiwan 🇹🇼, and South Korea were especially quick to change their plans.
• Business Uncertainty: Many small businesses that depend on tourism faced an uncertain future, with some considering layoffs or closures.

A Tokyo hotel manager shared, “We had almost full bookings for July, but now more than half have canceled. We’re struggling to keep our staff and pay our bills.”

Misinformation and the Role of Social Media

Social media played a major role in spreading Ryo Tatsuki’s prediction. Posts and videos about the “Japanese Baba Vanga” went viral, reaching millions across East Asia. Some users shared the prophecy as a warning, while others mocked or questioned it. However, the sheer volume of posts made it hard for people to separate fact from fiction.

Experts warn that misinformation can cause real harm, especially in countries like Japan 🇯🇵 where disaster risk is always present. Professor Kimiro Meguro noted, “When people act on rumors instead of facts, it can lead to panic, lost income, and even dangerous behavior during real emergencies.”

Official Responses and Reassurance Efforts

The Japanese 🇯🇵 government and tourism boards launched public campaigns to reassure travelers and counter the rumors. Officials appeared on TV and social media, repeating that there was no credible threat and that Japan 🇯🇵 remained open and safe for visitors. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) updated its website with the latest travel advisories and encouraged people to check official sources before making decisions.

Some embassies, such as China’s in Tokyo, issued general safety advisories for visitors. However, these were not tied to Ryo Tatsuki’s prediction and instead reflected standard advice for travel in a country with regular seismic activity.

Procedural and Practical Implications for Travelers and Businesses

For travelers, the main concern was whether to cancel or postpone trips to Japan 🇯🇵. Many airlines and travel agencies offered refunds or allowed customers to reschedule, but the rules varied:

• Refunds: Some airlines gave full refunds for flights to Japan 🇯🇵 during the affected period, while others charged cancellation fees.
• Rescheduling: Travelers could often change their travel dates without penalty, but only if they acted before a certain deadline.
• Travel Insurance: Policies differed on whether fear of disaster was a valid reason for a claim. Most insurers did not cover cancellations based on psychic predictions.

For airlines and travel agencies, the sudden drop in demand created operational and financial challenges. Many companies had to adjust schedules, cut flights, and manage a flood of customer requests. Some businesses, especially smaller ones, faced the risk of bankruptcy.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Who Said What

Long-Term Outlook: Lessons and Next Steps

As of July 10, 2025, no catastrophic disaster matching Ryo Tatsuki’s prediction has occurred in Japan 🇯🇵. The tourism sector is watching closely, hoping that bookings will rebound as the predicted date passes without incident. Some industry experts believe that confidence will return, but it may take months for travel patterns to recover.

The episode has sparked debate about the power of social media, the responsibility of public figures, and the need for science-based communication. Many call for better education on how to spot misinformation and for stronger action by platforms to stop the spread of rumors.

For now, the Japanese 🇯🇵 government continues to base its disaster planning and travel advisories on scientific data. There are no new policies or travel restrictions related to the prophecy. All official warnings remain focused on real, long-term risks, not psychic forecasts.

Practical Guidance for Travelers and Businesses

If you are planning to travel to Japan 🇯🇵 or work in the tourism sector, here are some steps you can take:

• Check Official Sources: Always rely on official government websites for the latest travel advisories and disaster warnings. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) provides up-to-date information for visitors.
• Understand Refund Policies: Before booking, ask airlines and agencies about their refund and rescheduling rules in case of cancellations.
• Consider Travel Insurance: Read the fine print to see what is covered. Most policies do not cover cancellations due to rumors or psychic predictions.
• Stay Calm and Informed: Do not act on rumors. Follow advice from experts and official agencies.
• Support Local Businesses: If you feel safe, consider keeping your travel plans. Tourism is a key part of Japan’s 🇯🇵 economy, and your visit helps support jobs and communities.

Official Resources for Further Information

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Latest travel advisories and updates for visitors.
• Japan Meteorological Agency: Official earthquake and tsunami warnings.
• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT): Airline and travel sector regulations.

Summary of Key Facts (as of July 2025):

• Prediction date: July 5, 2025 (no disaster occurred as of July 10)
• Drop in bookings: Up to 83% for flights to Japan 🇯🇵 in late June/early July
• Official stance: No scientific basis; travel to Japan 🇯🇵 remains safe
• Sector impact: Severe financial losses for airlines, hotels, and tour operators
• Public reaction: Widespread anxiety, especially in East Asia; mass cancellations

Conclusion: Moving Forward After the Panic

The Ryo Tatsuki prophecy episode shows how quickly rumors can spread and cause real harm, even in a country as prepared as Japan 🇯🇵. While the predicted catastrophic disaster did not happen, the economic and social effects were real. The travel and tourism sector now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and encouraging visitors to return.

For travelers, the key lesson is to trust science and official sources, not rumors. For businesses, clear communication and flexible policies can help manage future crises. And for everyone, this event is a reminder of the importance of critical thinking in the age of social media.

If you need more information about travel to Japan 🇯🇵 or have questions about refunds and cancellations, check with your airline, travel agency, or visit the official JNTO website for the latest updates.

Learn Today

Tsunami → A large sea wave caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, potentially causing severe coastal damage.
Ring of Fire → A Pacific Ocean area with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity affecting countries like Japan and the Philippines.
Seismology → The scientific study of earthquakes and earth vibrations to understand and predict seismic activity.
Refund Policy → Rules set by airlines or agencies regarding repayment when travelers cancel or change bookings.
Travel Advisory → Official government alerts informing the public about safety conditions and travel risks in a destination.

This Article in a Nutshell

In July 2025, Ryo Tatsuki’s false tsunami prediction triggered widespread panic, slashing Japan’s tourism bookings by 83%. Despite no scientific backing, airlines canceled flights and businesses suffered. Officials urged calm and relied on science. This event highlights the serious impact of misinformation on disaster-prone countries’ economies and traveler confidence.
— By VisaVerge.com