Japanese researchers said they have released videos and images (not pictured) that may show genuine UFOs. Pic credit: Pixabay
The International UFO Lab, a Japanese group that investigates unidentified flying objects, has released a tranche of photos and videos that purportedly show unexplained sightings in recent years.
According to Takeharu Mikami, head of the organization, if the images show “real UFOs,” then they may have “aliens on board.”
The organization, based in the Japanese city of Fukushima, shared the news on June 24, during the World UFO Day event at the Fureai-kan hall.
International UFO Lab team studied 494 sightings
The team studied about 494 reports of UFO sightings received from witnesses in Japan and other countries and found that most were likely due to mistaken identity.
A team of experts determined that most of the objects that witnesses reported were likely drones, airplanes, insects, birds, and light reflections.
Only about six of the nearly 500 images and videos appeared to be authentic. Some of the six were round, while others were triangular-shaped objects spotted in the skies over Kobe and Fukushima.
The latest report comes after Paranormal Papers reported that a Canadian MP claimed the government of Canada obtained retrieved UFOs and participated in reverse-engineering programs with Western allies.
‘… if they’re real UFOs, aliens may be onboard’
Takeharu Mikami, the head of the organization, admitted that modern technology makes it possible for hoaxers to fake UFOs using computer graphics. But he said that the objects included in their shortlist were genuine.
“It may be possible to create these images with computer graphics. But if they are real UFOs, aliens may be onboard,” Mikami said, according to The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun).
He also suggested that even if the present generation of researchers cannot explain the images, future generations might be able to do so.
History of the International UFO Lab
Japanese researchers founded the International UFO Lab on June 24, 2021. According to the Japanese news website, The Mainichi, the group established the organization in Fukushima.
The organization aims to study local sightings and unravel the mystery behind UFOs.
Mikami, the director since its inception, is also the editor-in-chief of the Mu magazine, a publication dedicated to investigating paranormal phenomena.
The organization invites members of the public to submit sighting reports (including photos and videos). Experts analyze and investigate the sightings to determine whether they are authentic or due to mistaken identity.
One of the most famous sightings the group has studied is the Mount Senganmori incident from the 1970s. Locals reported seeing a mysterious bright cone-shaped object near the mountain.
What is the World UFO Day?
Experts and enthusiasts worldwide celebrate June 24 as World UFO Day.
It commemorates the day in 1947 when Kenneth Arnold reported the first sighting that gained national and worldwide attention.
However, other enthusiasts observe July 2, the day that the celebrated Roswell UFO crash reportedly occurred in 1947.
The Kenneth Arnold sighting
Arnold claimed he saw a squadron of nine UFOs while flying a plane near Mount Rainier (Tahoma) in Washington State. The sighting reportedly occurred sometime after 3:00 p.m. on June 24, 1947, at about 9,200 feet.
He first noticed flashes like a metallic glint or reflection on a mirror. After visually scanning the sky, he realized they came from unidentified objects flying in line like a flock of geese.
They approached and whizzed past his aircraft. He described them as similar to thin saucers. He later estimated they were flying about 1,200 miles per hour.
Some historians believe the Chicago Sun’s June 26, 1947 coverage of the sighting was the first that used the term “flying saucer.”