Will There Be an Earthquake on July 5th? — Interpreting a Japanese Manga Artist’s Prophetic Dream Through the Lens of the Hexagram Gen (艮卦)
- By YOWAYOW
A Manga Artist’s Dream, Scientific Rebuttal, and an I Ching Perspective
I. Event Overview: From a Dream to a Viral Prophecy
In early July 2025, an unsettling “prophecy” began making the rounds online: that a massive earthquake would strike Japan on July 5. It all traces back to acclaimed manga artist Ryō Ryūju’s depiction of a vivid dream in his 2021 book What I Saw in the Future, where he describes meteor impacts, underwater volcanic eruptions—and specifically calls out July 5 as the date of catastrophe.
- Ryūju’s Clarification
In a follow‑up volume, Angel’s Last Words, Ryūju explained that the date was part of his dreamscape, not a literal prediction, and that some passages were modified by his publisher without his final approval. - Viral Spread & Public Reaction
- Reuters reported that the prophecy “spooked tourists,” leading to a measurable drop in July bookings to Japan’s southwest islands.
- AP News fact‑checked the claims, calling them “a hoax” and reminding readers that no earthquake prediction of this specificity is possible (AP News).
- Bloomberg Japan noted that, despite the lack of evidence, local travel agencies saw cancellations in Kagoshima‑bound itineraries (Bloomberg).
- Recent Seismic Activity
Meanwhile, the Tokara Islands (part of Kagoshima Prefecture) have experienced over 900 small tremors since late June, with several registering up to intensity 5 (Japan Meteorological Agency). This cluster has heightened public anxiety—though no link to any specific future date has been scientifically established.
II. Scientific Consensus: No Earthquake Predicted for July 5
- Japan Meteorological Agency: “There is no data to support a major quake on July 5—this is simply rumor,” said Chief Seismologist Dr. Nomura .
- Seismologists’ View: “Despite frequent seismicity, we cannot forecast exact times, locations, or magnitudes of earthquakes,” explained Prof. Keiko Tanaka of the University of Tokyo’s Earthquake Research Institute.
Bottom line: No credible scientific body predicts a large quake on that date.
III. The I Ching Reading: Hexagram Gen (艮卦) — “Mountain on Mountain”
To gain deeper insight, I cast the I Ching. My cat—aptly named Oracle—drew Hexagram 52, Gen (艮卦):
Image: Two mountains stacked, symbolizing stillness and stopping.
Judgment: “Stopping brings good fortune. It is beneficial to be firm and correct.”
Lines:
- Initial line (初六): “Stopping at the foot—no blame.”
- Upper line (上九): “Firm stopping brings good fortune.”
IV. What Gen (艮) Tells Us
- Restrain Panic
Gen urges us to halt—do not chase after alarming rumors or let fear drive our actions. - Maintain Inner Stability
Just as a mountain stands unmoved, preserve emotional balance. - Beware Overreaction
Resist sharing unverified claims. Verify before forwarding.
V. Clear Conclusion & Practical Advice
✅ Conclusion:
- From Science: No major earthquake will strike Japan on July 5.
- From the Hexagram: Gen confirms that we should stop overfocus on baseless predictions.
Preparedness Tips (Anytime, Anywhere):
| Aspect | Action |
|---|---|
| Home | Keep water, non‑perishables, first‑aid kit, flashlight and batteries on hand. |
| Evacuation | Know your nearest shelter and evacuation routes. |
| Alerts | Subscribe to J‑Alert and local government notifications—ignore rumors. |
Final Thought
The real wisdom lies not in predicting disasters but in steadily preparing for them—and Gen reminds us: true strength is knowing when to stop, reflect, and act with clear intention. Calm your mind, trust reputable sources, and stay ready—July 5 will pass like any other day.
Want to explore more cards?
See the full list of I Ching Hexagrams →
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