“Isn’t Selling Books Enough?” — To Tatsuki
Ep.30 — “Isn’t Selling Books Enough?” — To Tatsuki
Publication Date: June 21, 2025, 11:25 AM
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Preface
The media stirs people up, saying: “What if this prophecy comes true?”
But if it doesn’t, where should the passengers of this runaway train go to claim damages?
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Main Text
To the cartoonist who calls himself a prophet to make money,
—or to the great prophet who spoke a true prediction—
“An earthquake will strike in July 2025.”
Such words have been spreading online.
Will an earthquake really happen?
How far can earthquake prediction actually go?
Here, Panda reflects on what is known so far.
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The Manga Behind the “Prophecy”
The claim originates with Tatsuki Ryō, a manga artist, and her book The Future I Saw: Complete Edition.
Tatsuki recorded her dreams in a “dream diary,” and in 1999 published the original manga The Future I Saw, based on those dreams.
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But if the prophecy is wrong,
are you—yes, you—ready to pay compensation to those who suffered losses because of your so-called prediction?
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Panda’s Question
“So, Tatsuki—if people suffer damages because of your prediction, how much compensation would you and your publisher owe?”
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ChatGPT’s Calculation
Premise: How would the law treat Tatsuki’s “prophecy”?
•A “prophecy,” lacking scientific basis, is normally treated as personal opinion or fiction, and falls under freedom of expression.
•But—if it is presented as scientific fact or certain knowledge in a way that incites fear, confusion, and economic harm, then civil lawsuits could be possible.
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Possible Damages (Hypothetical Examples)
Type of Victim
Example of Damage
Approximate Loss
Individuals who moved because of the prophecy
Moving costs, new housing expenses
Tens to hundreds of thousands of yen
Travelers who canceled plans
Cancellation fees, penalties
Tens of thousands of yen
Businesses altering operations
Lost revenue, stockpiling costs
Tens to hundreds of thousands of yen
Psychological distress (e.g., anxiety disorder)
Medical expenses, damages for suffering
Tens of thousands of yen
If 100,000 people claimed damages?
Suppose each suffered only minor damages—say ¥50,000 (~$300)—
¥50,000 × 100,000 people = ¥5 billion (~$30 million).
Of course, not everyone would file suit. And courts could argue:
“Believing a prophecy was a personal choice.”
In that case, many claims could be dismissed.
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Key Points
•The publisher would likely insist: “We only published this as entertainment.”
•But if the advertising, book cover, or TV appearances gave the impression of “certain truth,” then it risks being seen as fraudulent marketing.
•If the prophecy fails, victims could form a group and pursue a class action lawsuit.
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Panda’s Conclusion
At present, Tatsuki Ryō and her publisher have no legal obligation to pay damages.
But—
if enough people feel they should pay, and present evidence of harm,
claims could rise into the billions of yen, even up to tens of billions (hundreds of millions of USD).
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Afterword
It’s best to prepare for both outcomes:
•If the prophecy comes true, then emergency preparedness matters.
•If it fails, then businesses—especially travel companies, or individuals who paid cancellation fees—should also have safeguards.
And if it does happen?
Well, perhaps it won’t be “natural” at all, but something closer to an artificial earthquake.
