TAIWAN — With July 5 fast approaching, anxiety is growing among many across Asia after a Japanese cartoonist, Ryō Ryō, predicted that a massive earthquake and tsunami would strike Japan on that date. The forecast has generated a mix of fear, skepticism, and even humor—especially after a Taiwanese company unexpectedly gave employees a day off on July 4 in response to the rumored disaster.
The Prediction That Sparked It All
The origin of the concern stems from Ryō Ryō’s previous comic work, where he mentioned that on July 5, “two giant dragons” would rise from the sea near Japan, triggering a powerful earthquake and unleashing a 40-meter-high tsunami upon the surrounding areas.
Although the work is fictional, the prediction gained traction online, fueling discussions, conspiracy theories, and widespread worry among netizens in Japan, Taiwan, and other parts of Asia.
Taiwanese Company Grants Leave Ahead of Predicted Quake
Amid growing chatter, a Taiwanese netizen shared on the social media platform Threads that her friend’s company had issued an unusual announcement: employees were granted leave on July 4 so they could “spend time with family” before the supposed doomsday.
“Since the world will end on July 5, you don’t have to come to work on July 4. Go home and spend time with your family. The company is cleared and we hope we can see each other again next week,” the company’s boss reportedly told employees.
The post, initially met with disbelief, was later confirmed by the netizen, who humorously commented, “My friend’s company is so ridiculous, I love it.”
Mixed Reactions: Fear, Envy, and Laughter
The story quickly went viral, prompting a flood of reactions from amused netizens:
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“How can I let my boss see this accidentally?”
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“Buddhist company vibes!”
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“This boss is superstitious but I like him.”
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“The boss is really updated on current events—respect!”
Others attempted to forward the story to their own managers, though most were unsuccessful in securing a free day off.
Some netizens took the humor further, joking about potential work-related “disasters”:
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“If the quake really happens and I didn’t spend time with family because I worked on July 4, can I claim damages?”
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“If I go back to work on July 7 and the company’s gone, I won’t be surprised.”
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“If I get paid on the 5th and the world ends, do I still get my salary?”
Cartoonist Clarifies: It Wasn’t a Real Prediction
As panic spread, Ryō Ryō issued a clarification on June 25, stating that the July 5 date was simply written in his work as a placeholder while he was busy with deadlines. He emphasized that the prediction was not meant to be taken literally and that he never intended to cause alarm.
A Reminder of the Power of Media
Though fictional, Ryō Ryō’s prediction underscores how powerful storytelling can influence real-world behavior, especially in a climate where people are increasingly sensitive to natural disasters and crises.
At the same time, the humorous reaction from the Taiwanese company and the online community reflects how humor can serve as a coping mechanism during uncertain times.
While there is no scientific evidence supporting the July 5 prediction, authorities advise the public to stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information that could incite unnecessary fear.
Final Thought
Whether myth, coincidence, or just creative fiction, the buzz around July 5 has turned into a curious mix of fear and fun. And for at least one group of employees in Taiwan, it also turned into an unexpected holiday—a reminder that sometimes, even the strangest rumors can lead to something a little uplifting.
