UFO Criticism by JN from Japan - 2002 09 - vol 2 no 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan" (Vol. 2, No. 1, September 2002) focuses on re-examining historical accounts related to UFO phenomena and tracing the development of UFO research in Japan.

"Stars Swung by the Wind": a Misreading

The lead article by J.N. critically analyzes an episode involving Shogun Yoritsune of medieval Japan, as cited in "The UFO Encyclopedia" by John Spencer and "Communion" by Whitley Strieber. The common interpretation suggests the Shogun witnessed UFOs, with "astronomers" explaining them as stars swung by the wind. However, J.N. argues that this is a misreading of the original text from the "Azuma Kagami" chronicle. According to J.N.'s interpretation, the description pertains to an astrological prediction of a celestial body's movement, not an anomalous aerial phenomenon. The astrologers' report indicated that while they researched, no anomalous event occurred, but they observed lights of various stars swinging when the wind blew. J.N. suggests that the term "southwestern star" might have been a transcription error for a planet like Saturn, and the description of "go back" could refer to a planet changing its apparent position. The article emphasizes that Shogun Yoritsune was likely not an eyewitness to any UFO event.

New Approach to the Winged Sun Disk

This section explores the ancient symbol of the Winged Sun Disk, prevalent in cultures like the Egyptian, Assyrian, and Persian. The author notes that for modern eyes, this icon resembles a primitive representation of UFOs. The article references early UFO literature from Japan, including a 1962 article in "Soratobu Enban Nyusu" and a 1996 publication by "Tenku-jin Kyokai." Mr. Osamu Sato's research is highlighted, suggesting that ancient artists combined different perspectives, potentially explaining the disk's shape. The history of the Winged Sun Disk is traced back at least 1,900 years, with examples from Egypt and myths of Horus. Dr. Takao Saito's theory that the wings represent a solar corona is discussed, though the author questions if ancient Egyptians would adopt such an event as a divine portrait. Persian disks are presented as potentially representing vehicles, with both manned and unmanned types depicted. A relief at Behistun, Iran, shows Ahura-Mazda in a disk, while a facade at Persepolis shows an unmanned disk with legs, suggesting a landing. The author posits that King Darius might have encountered "human-shaped space people" and boarded a UFO, though acknowledging this is speculative and only proves the existence of an idea rather than a concrete object.

Ezekiel and the Winged Sun Disk

The article draws parallels between the Winged Sun Disk and the biblical account of the prophet Ezekiel, who described a mysterious flying object in 593 B.C. Ezekiel's "visions of God" are presented as realities, with descriptions of a dome-like firmament and a human-shaped figure on top. The author suggests that the body of the Winged Sun Disk might have been dome-shaped, similar to Ezekiel's vision. The text critiques interpretations by authors like George Hunt Williamson and George Adamski for overlooking the ancients' existing vocabulary to describe unfamiliar objects. Similarities noted include the dome shape and 90-degree turns described in Ezekiel's account. Comparisons are also made to mythical beings in the Ancient Orient, such as "living creatures" with multiple faces. Further similarities are drawn to the Behistun disk, with "straight wings" and "straight feet," and a photo of a cylinder seal from ancient Assyria showing a bird-man type Winged Sun Disk with a straight foot.

Ancient Chinese Coffin and Other Examples

The article mentions an ancient Chinese stone coffin from the 1st to 3rd century A.D. discovered in Ssu-chuan province, which features an icon resembling the Winged Sun Disk with long wings and no tail, similar to Egyptian types. The author also lists several main articles from a publication titled "Kodai Oriento no Tenku-jin Shinwa" (Sky People Myths in the Ancient Orient), covering topics like the genealogy and artistic viewpoints of the Winged Sun Disk, and its connection to Ezekiel. Footnotes provide context for historical figures, texts, and locations mentioned, including the location of Kamakura and the original text of the Azuma Kagami.

A Pioneer Passes Away: Kinichi Arai

This section commemorates the passing of Mr. Kinichi Arai on April 18, 2002. Arai founded the Nihon Soratobu Enban Kenkyukai (JFSA) in July 1955, which was the first UFO group in Japan to receive media attention. The article details Arai's background, his involvement in radar technology during WWII, and his establishment of a secondhand bookstore that became the head office of JFSA. JFSA's critical stance towards contactees is mentioned, as is its significant membership growth. Notable statements issued by JFSA under Arai's influence include the "Declaration of Cosmic Peace" and a demand regarding the moon rocket launch. The section recounts challenges faced by JFSA, including a false UFO photo case and a prophecy of a world-scale flood, leading to its suspension in 1960. Despite this, Arai continued his UFO work, writing books and organizing events. His establishment of a UFO Library and its subsequent move and closure are also noted. Arai's respect among young scientists and his collaboration on a book about UFOs and aliens are mentioned. The author shares personal interactions with Arai, noting Arai's focus on "mechanical objects" for public persuasion and his own lack of interest in it. Arai's personal experience of an unexplained sound and light in 1947 is recounted. The article suggests that space people might have fostered JFSA to promote the "Flying Saucer Age."

And We Lost Also Mr. Takao Ikeda

This section mourns the death of Mr. Takao Ikeda on May 28, 2002. Ikeda is described as a scientific sighting-analyst and a vice-president of Nihon Uchu Gensho Kenkyukai, as well as the National Director for Japan of MUFON. He was born in 1952 and began his UFO study in 1970. His work is characterized by a focus on accurate information and detailed studies to distinguish phenomena from UFOs. Ikeda's group, JSPS, merged with another in 1973. The author recounts a personal interaction in 1992 where Ikeda's cautious response to a sighting ("insufficient precision of the data precludes any conclusion") prompted the author to contribute to JSPS. The author later started his own newsletter, "UFO Hihyo," which criticized Ikeda's methodology. Ikeda's development of an electronic observing device for UFOs is mentioned, completed in 1997. His plan to create a comprehensive catalog of Japanese UFO sightings is also noted. The author expresses respect for Ikeda's treatises and acknowledges that no one has the ability to succeed him.

Notable Books

This section provides brief reviews of several books:

• "Misuteri Sakuru. Shinjitsu no Saishu Kaito" (Crop Circles: The True Final Answer) by Masao Maki (Panta Fuefuki), which discusses crop circles and a secret giant complex created in England.
• "Shin. Tondemo Chojo-gensho 56 no Shinso" (New: The Truth of 56 Absurd Supernormal Phenomena) by Ryutaro Minakami, Kazuo Shimizu, and Shoichi Kamon, noted as a book by Japanese skeptics, including a field survey report on the Kelly-Hopkinsville monsters.

Some of Recent Articles

This section lists recent articles and newsletters related to UFOs:

• "UFOI" (UFO Inquiry) featured an introduction to Japanese UFO research groups and information on Turkish UFOs.
• "Ko-jigen" (Higher Dimensions) reported on the death of Mr. Kinichi Arai and the transfer of his UFO materials to the lino-machi UFO Fureai-kan.
• "Michi Tsushin" also reported on the arrival of Kinichi Arai's UFO Library materials.

Recent Sighting

A report by Mr. Kiyoshi Amamiya describes observing a slender cigar-shaped white cloud near Mt. Adams on June 24, 2002, which remained stationary, suggesting it was not a natural cloud. Arnold saucers were reported to have passed Mt. Adams.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical re-evaluation of historical UFO accounts, the cross-cultural study of ancient symbols potentially related to UFOs, and a detailed chronicle of the history and key figures of UFO research in Japan. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, emphasizing accuracy, critical analysis of evidence, and a historical perspective on the UFO phenomenon. The publication also serves as a memorial to prominent figures in Japanese UFO research who have recently passed away.