Volcano Eruption, Series of Earthquakes in Japan: Is the Manga Artist’s Prediction Coming True?

Japan is once again facing the wrath of nature, with a string of earthquakes rattling the nation and volcanic activity adding to the concerns. Over 900 tremors were recorded around the Tokara Islands in just two weeks, and this sudden seismic spike has reignited public interest in a curious prediction made decades ago — not by a scientist, but by a manga artist.

What’s Happening in Japan Right Now?

As of July 2025, seismic activity across southern Japan has surged. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has confirmed over 900 small-to-moderate earthquakes around the Tokara island chain in Kagoshima Prefecture. Most quakes were shallow, measuring between 2.0 and 5.0 in magnitude, but their frequency has left residents in fear, triggering evacuations and temporary shelter setups.

On top of that, volcanic tremors from Mount Sakurajima — one of Japan’s most active volcanoes — have intensified. The alert level has been raised, and local authorities are on high alert.

While Japan is no stranger to seismic activity, what’s making this episode go viral is an eerie coincidence with a manga artist’s decades-old prediction.

Who Is Ryo Tatsuki and What Did She Predict?

Ryo Tatsuki is a lesser-known manga artist who gained attention in the 1990s for publishing a comic book filled with so-called “future dreams.” One of her most talked-about visions? A catastrophic earthquake and volcanic eruption that would strike Japan in the mid-2020s.

According to her writings, Japan would face a “great natural upheaval” after a period of societal unrest and economic strain. Her predictions included vivid illustrations of shattered cities, collapsing bridges, and waves hitting coastlines — prompting some netizens to link her work to the current seismic events.

While many dismiss it as coincidence or creative exaggeration, the timing has sparked viral speculation across social media and even mainstream news outlets.

Japan’s Scientific Agencies Respond

To calm the growing panic, Japan’s Earthquake Research Committee and JMA have clarified that while the frequency of quakes has increased, there is currently no direct evidence of an impending megaquake. They do, however, confirm that the Nankai Trough and Sagami Trough — major fault zones — are overdue for large-scale seismic events.

Disaster preparedness protocols have been ramped up, especially in southwestern Japan. Public drills, evacuation route updates, and new warning systems are now being implemented.

Why This Is Trending Online

Social media has exploded with phrases like “900 quakes in Japan,” “manga prediction earthquake,” and “Sakurajima volcano warning.” Google Trends shows a 300% spike in related search terms, especially in regions like the Philippines, India, and the U.S. West Coast.

YouTube and TikTok creators have fueled the interest by comparing real-time footage with frames from Tatsuki’s manga. Some are asking: Can fiction really predict reality? Others are more skeptical, calling it fear-mongering.

Regardless, the topic has gone viral — with over 2 million tweets and thousands of blog posts surfacing in just one week.

What Tourists and Locals Are Experiencing

Tourism in Kyushu and southern Japan has taken a hit. Travel agencies report increased cancellations, especially for island tours and volcano sightseeing spots.

Locals, meanwhile, are experiencing sleepless nights. In some towns, residents are keeping go-bags near their beds. Schools have shifted to remote learning in affected zones, and grocery stores are seeing spikes in purchases of bottled water, dry food, and emergency supplies.

Is There Any Link to Baba Vanga?

Some conspiracy theorists have added another layer: linking Ryo Tatsuki’s predictions to the infamous Baba Vanga. Though Vanga never specifically mentioned Japan in 2025, her name is now trending alongside keywords like “future earthquake,” “Asia disaster prediction,” and “prophecies coming true.”

It’s worth noting that both Vanga and Tatsuki have become online symbols of the human desire to make sense of chaos. Whether coincidence or not, these narratives often go viral during moments of fear and uncertainty.

What Should You Really Take Away?

Here’s what experts recommend:

• Stay informed through verified government channels like JMA and NHK.
• Don’t panic based on viral predictions or social media pseudoscience.
• Follow local advisories if you’re in Japan or planning to travel there.

Japan’s infrastructure is among the best in the world for disaster readiness. But that doesn’t mean citizens or tourists should be complacent. Small steps like knowing evacuation routes or packing a basic emergency kit can make a difference.

Final Word

The combination of real-world earthquakes, volcanic tremors, and speculative predictions has created a perfect storm of anxiety — and clicks. While it’s easy to get caught up in viral theories, the reality is that Japan is managing the situation with resilience and scientific precision.

So, is the manga artist’s prediction coming true? That depends on what you choose to believe — but what matters more is how well we prepare, respond, and stay grounded in facts.