“July 5 Mega Disaster Theory” Sparks “Japan’s Doom” Trend on X, Fuels Fear and Global Media Coverage
On the afternoon of July 4, the phrase “Japan’s Doom” surged to a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter), igniting a wave of curiosity and concern among users worldwide. The trend stems from a chilling prediction tied to manga artist Ryo Tatsuki’s 1999 book, The Future I Saw (published by Asahi Sonorama). This work first gained attention for seemingly foretelling the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, with its cover boldly stating, “The Great Disaster is in March 2011.” Fast forward to the 2021 reprint, The Future I Saw: Complete Edition, where Tatsuki revealed her “Dream Diary,” claiming, “The real great disaster will come in July 2025,” pinpointing July 5 as the fateful day. This prophecy has now captured global attention, blending fear, fascination, and skepticism.
X Users React to the “X-Day” Prediction
As the so-called “X-Day” of July 5 nears, X has been flooded with posts reflecting a mix of humor, dread, and defiance. Here’s a snapshot of what people are saying:
- “I ate hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice) just in case, as it’s rumored that Japan or the world might end. If it’s my last meal, I want it to be hitsumabushi.”
- “The rain forecast for tomorrow is gone, but it’s supposed to hit 32°C. With a slight chance of Japan’s doom, I’d rather stay home.”
- “I’m scared after seeing the ‘Japan’s Doom’ posts. I love this world and want to live peacefully. I hope nothing happens.”
- “What? Is Japan ending tomorrow? Does that mean I’ll be at work when it happens? I still have things I want to do, so please spare me!”
- “Even if the Earth ends or Japan gets hit by a tsunami, I’ll still have to work tomorrow.”
These reactions highlight how the prediction has struck a chord, blending everyday concerns with apocalyptic speculation.
Global Media Jumps on the Story
The buzz hasn’t stayed confined to social media—international outlets have amplified the “July 5 Mega Disaster Theory.” On July 3, CNN published an in-depth report titled “The manga that’s sparking fears of a megaquake in Japan.” Accompanied by a video from a female journalist in Japan, the piece showcased pages from Tatsuki’s 2021 book, quoting eerie passages like:
- “Suddenly, the seafloor between Japan and the Philippines erupted.”
- “A massive tsunami, three times larger than the one from the Great East Japan Earthquake, hit the Pacific Rim countries.”
- “The disaster will occur in July 2025.”
Meanwhile, the BBC referenced the theory in a July 3 article about frequent earthquakes in Kagoshima’s Tokara Islands, noting, “This series of earthquakes comes amid rumors of an imminent massive and deadly earthquake that has unsettled the entire nation.” Both outlets have fueled the story’s global reach, drawing eyes to Tatsuki’s work.
The Theory Spreads to China and Hong Kong
The prediction has also gone viral in China and Hong Kong, where reports have paired it with footage of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. A text article explained, “While earthquakes occur daily in Japan, the prediction of a massive earthquake on July 5 has been widely circulated by psychics and feng shui masters, causing some travelers to cancel their trips out of fear.” This fear has reportedly led to a sharp drop in visitors from Hong Kong to Japan, showing the tangible impact of the rumor.
Japan’s Earthquake-Prone Reality
Japan’s frequent seismic activity provides fertile ground for such predictions. The CNN report tied the story to the Japanese government’s warnings about the Nankai Trough, a fault line capable of triggering a megaquake. While scientists can’t predict earthquakes, officials caution that a Nankai Trough Mega Earthquake could strike within the next 20 to 30 years, potentially causing $10 trillion in damage. This backdrop lends a layer of plausibility to Tatsuki’s prophecy, heightening public unease.
Why This Prediction Is Going Viral
The story’s spread owes much to Tatsuki’s track record. Her 1999 book’s depiction of a March 2011 disaster was later hailed as a chillingly accurate prediction of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Complete Edition, now available in Chinese, has further boosted its reach. Adding fuel to the fire, a prominent Hong Kong feng shui master has also forecasted a major earthquake in Japan, amplifying the narrative and impacting travel trends.
What’s Next for July 5?
As July 5, 2025, approaches, the “July 5 Mega Disaster Theory” continues to captivate audiences, blending manga prophecy with real-world fears. While science debunks precise earthquake predictions, the story underscores Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the power of social media to amplify speculation. Whether it’s a case of art imitating life or just a gripping tale, the world will be watching.
