Watashi ga Mita Mirai: How a Prophetic Manga Sparked Nationwide Panic Over July 5, 2025

A manga once considered obscure became a national phenomenon after readers connected one of its predictions to a major disaster. Watashi ga Mita Mirai, written by Tatsuki Ryo, is a manga based on the author’s supposed prophetic dreams. It famously alluded to a “great catastrophe in March 2011,” which aligned with the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

But in recent months, a different date from the manga—July 5, 2025—went viral, with many interpreting it as a prediction of another devastating event.

As July 5 approached, fear and speculation took over Japanese social media and even crossed into neighboring countries. Chinese platforms like Weibo saw the topic trending, and anxiety grew rapidly. Tourists from Hong Kong canceled travel plans, and Hong Kong Airlines suspended flights to Sendai through October. All due to a single manga panel and the internet’s power to amplify fear.

And Then… Nothing Happened

July 5 came and went—without any disaster. No earthquake. No explosion. No tragedy. Relief spread across the nation, but people were left wondering: who benefited from all this?

The Author Made Millions From the Hype

Tatsuki Ryo’s Watashi ga Mita Mirai – Complete Edition sold over 1.06 million copies, including digital sales. With a retail price of 1,200 yen and an estimated 10% royalty rate, the author likely earned over 127 million yen (about $800,000 USD), and even after taxes, may have kept more than 60 million yen.

Despite the success, Tatsuki told FLASH magazine that her book “was never meant to be a prophecy” and claimed her life “hasn’t changed.” Still, her new title Tenshi no Yuigon, released on June 15, quickly entered Japan’s top 10 bestsellers.

YouTubers and Spiritual Influencers Cashed In

While many feared for their lives, others saw an opportunity. YouTubers focused on spirituality, conspiracy, and disaster theories released a wave of content about July 5—garnering millions of views. Some are estimated to have earned up to 10 million yen ($63,000 USD) just from ad revenue.

Some creators even held events tied to the supposed prophecy, monetizing the public’s fear. One YouTube commentator told Yahoo News Japan:

“If you pick a date, a city, and a catastrophe, you can manufacture a convincing prediction. Repeat the formula, and the views (and money) roll in. For those without ethics, spiritual content is the most lucrative online niche.”

Here’s what some people in Japan had to say after the scare:

• “I honestly don’t get how this got so big.”

• “Books that fuel fear should be banned.”

• “She profits while others suffer—true elite behavior.”

• “A woman who caused ¥5.6 trillion in damage just to make ¥100 million.”

• “What excuse do all the YouTubers who hyped this have?”

• “Wouldn’t you press a button that gives you ¥100 million, even if it caused trillions in national damage?”

• “Can’t believe so many bought into something from a dream.”

• “Instead of blaming her, blame how gullible the Japanese public is.”

• “She definitely made way more than just ¥100 million.”

• “The media helped fuel this hysteria and face no consequences. There should be laws for this.”

• “I wonder what that feng shui master from Hong Kong or Taiwan is thinking now.”

NHK’s Hiroki Okatani addressed public concerns by stating that although Kagoshima has seen a series of small quakes recently, they have no relation whatsoever to the manga’s so-called prediction. He emphasized that people should not spread unfounded rumors.

Fortunately, nothing happened on July 5, 2025. But the event revealed how easily fear can be monetized and manipulated—through manga, media, and social platforms. For some, it was a warning about blind belief. For others, it was just another day in the age of viral disinformation.