Japan’s UFO Unit & Colombia’s STRANGE Find: From Parliament to Laboratory
- Cristina Gomez
- May 24
- 5 min read
The global intrigue surrounding UFOs continues to captivate both governmental agencies and curious minds alike, with Japan’s recent establishment of a specialized UAP division marking a significant shift in official approaches to these mysterious sightings. From ancient accounts like the Utsuro-bune incident to modern discoveries of inexplicable metallic spheres, these enigmatic occurrences challenge our understanding of what exists beyond conventional explanation.
Japan’s Government Takes UFOs Seriously
Japan’s Defense Ministry has recently undertaken significant measures to address Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), following recommendations from the Parliamentary League for UAP Clarification from a Security Perspective on May 16, 2025. Led by former Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada, this parliamentary group presented their proposal to current Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, advocating for a dedicated division within the ministry to collect and analyze UAP data. The initiative also calls for public disclosure of findings and regular updates to the National Diet. These actions come amid growing concerns over airspace intrusions, particularly from Chinese surveillance drones and balloons. Hamada highlighted the necessity of enhancing Japan’s preparedness, stating, “It is critically important that we close any gaps in our response to these unexplained aerial events.”
Defense Minister Kihara, who was a founding member of the parliamentary league, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to these phenomena. “We are maintaining a broad, high-level focus on all phenomena that may impact Japan’s national security, including those involving unidentified objects,” Kihara remarked. This strategic shift signals Japan’s move toward a more systematic method of addressing airborne threats, aligning with similar efforts in the United States where military and intelligence agencies have begun openly acknowledging UAP sightings. These developments reflect Japan’s commitment to strengthening airspace security and transparency during a period of increasing regional tensions.
The International UFO Lab, based in Fukushima City, made headlines in 2023 when it revealed six photographs and videos they classified as highly likely to show genuine UFOs. This announcement coincided with World UFO Day celebrations at the UFO Fureaikan hall on June 24, commemorating the first reported UFO sighting in the United States. The research team examined 494 reports submitted from both Japanese and international sources throughout the year, determining that most submissions showed ordinary objects such as drones, birds, light reflections, aircraft, and insects. However, six specific images capturing round and triangular flying objects in Kobe, Fukushima, and other locations met their criteria for probable UFO classification. Takeharu Mikami, director of the International UFO Lab and chief editor of the monthly occult magazine Mu, acknowledged the possibility of computer-generated imagery while suggesting that “if they’re real UFOs, aliens may be onboard.” Mikami expressed hope that children inspired by these findings might eventually solve these enduring mysteries.
Historical accounts of unusual phenomena in Japan extend back over two centuries. An exhibition at the Joyo Historical Materials Museum in Mito showcases one such incident from Japan’s past. Titled “Fushigi World Utsuro-bune,” the exhibit highlights the story of a saucer-shaped vessel that reportedly washed ashore in Hitachi province — now Ibaraki Prefecture — on February 22, 1803, during Japan’s Edo Period. According to historical documents, villagers discovered this strange craft, which featured windows on its upper section and contained a woman with red hair and eyebrows. She allegedly held a box and could not speak Japanese. The boat displayed mysterious inscriptions resembling combinations of triangles and circles. The incident, documented in the 1825 essay “Toen Shosetsu,” became a subject of interest among Edo’s intellectual community.
Recent academic work has shed new light on the Utsuro-bune incident. Researchers led by a professor from Gifu University have uncovered historical documents suggesting that the vessel may have landed on the Sharihama coast in what is now Kamisu. Some researchers connect the story to a local legend about a “golden princess” who allegedly drifted from India and introduced silk farming techniques to the region. While the exhibition focuses primarily on the historical and cultural aspects of the Utsuro-bune, the vessel’s saucer-like appearance in illustrations has prompted many to draw parallels to modern UFO sightings, making this 220-year-old mystery an enduring topic of interest.
Columbia’s Buga Ball
In South America, a recent UFO-related mystery has captured public attention. In March, witnesses in Buga, Colombia, reported observing a metallic sphere flying erratically overhead. The object produced unusual sounds described as “metallic humming” and “mechanical whirring.” After landing abruptly, local resident David Velez el Potro recovered the sphere, noting that it was unusually cold despite its metallic exterior. X-ray analysis revealed a complex internal structure consisting of three distinct metallic layers and a core containing 18 smaller spheres arranged around a central “chip.” Radiologist Dr. Jose Luis Velazquez, who conducted the examination, observed that the object lacked any visible welding or seams, suggesting manufacturing processes beyond current technology.
The Colombian sphere’s outer layer exhibited density similar to titanium or steel, while the inner materials were less dense, appearing to serve a functional design purpose. Unusual markings resembling ancient runes, Mesopotamian symbols, and Ogham were discovered on its surface. AI-assisted analysis suggested these inscriptions conveyed themes of “transformation cycles” and “expanding consciousness.” Witnesses also reported that pouring water over the object caused immediate vaporization while the exterior remained cold. The individual who initially retrieved the sphere reportedly experienced unexplained illness for several days afterward. Despite speculation about extraterrestrial origins or advanced technology, the Colombian government has not issued an official statement, and the object remains under study.
Another notable case involving a mysterious sphere dates back to 1974, when the Betz family discovered a metallic orb on their property near Jacksonville, Florida. Measuring eight inches in diameter and weighing 22 pounds, this polished sphere demonstrated extraordinary properties. When placed on a flat surface, it would roll autonomously, reverse direction, and even climb inclined surfaces. The object also emitted a bell-like sound when struck and vibrated in response to certain musical notes. Despite examinations by the U.S. Navy and J. Allen Hynek from Project Blue Book, no definitive explanation for the sphere’s origin or capabilities has been determined. Some speculated it might be military equipment, though this theory was never confirmed. The Betz sphere remains one of the most intriguing artifacts in UFO research, representing the intersection between unexplained phenomena and advanced technology.
These diverse accounts, spanning centuries and continents, demonstrate that UFOs remain a persistent mystery that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. Whether manifesting as government-monitored objects over Japan, mysterious spheres with impossible properties, or historical vessels from Japan’s distant past, these incidents continue to challenge our understanding of what might exist beyond conventional knowledge. As official investigations expand and new discoveries emerge, the search for answers to these enduring mysteries shows no signs of diminishing.
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