The UFO Phenomenon

UFO enthusiasm has surged in Japan amid renewed interest

By T.K. Randall
February 7, 2025 ·  12 comments

A Japanese train that passes a UFO museum. Image Credit: CC BY 2.0 Sodai Gomi The recent interest in UFOs in the United States has sparked something of a surge in interest elsewhere in the world, with Japan in particular enjoying renewed enthusiasm for anything and everything to do with unidentified flying objects.

For instance, in Hakui, Ishikawa Prefecture - also known as "town of UFOs" - a recent UFO event at the local space museum was attended by some 2,000 people - a considerable spike in attendance for the attraction which had suffered a reduction in visitor numbers following a recent earthquake.

Meanwhile, a UFO research institute set up in the city of Fukushima has been at the center of an annual festival that has seen visitor numbers exceed 5,000 in recent years.

All across Japan, UFO-themed events have been used as part of regional revitalization strategies and there is even a nonpartisan parliamentary group focused on UAP research.There have also been calls to set up a dedicated agency for such investigations.

"This trend may reflect a sense of social anxiety," said planetary scientist Junya Terazono of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

"With military conflicts and geopolitical tensions such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and clashes occurring throughout the Middle East, the public is likely feeling uneasy about what might lurk above."

"There's this growing sense of tension and curiosity - perhaps we are starting to wonder if something might come flying our way."

Source: Japan Times | Comments (12)

Tags: UFO, Japan