UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan
Issue: Vol.7 No.1
Date: December 2007
Publisher: Junji Numakawa
Country: Japan

This issue of "UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan" focuses on UFO-related events and discussions within Japan, featuring personal accounts, reports on meetings, and critical analysis.

My Recent UFO Photos

The lead article details a personal UFO sighting by the author on the evening of December 12, 2006, in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. While walking, the author noticed a large, white, round light in the southeastern sky, appearing about 50 degrees above the horizon. Its apparent size was comparable to the head of a thumb at arm's length, significantly larger than a full moon. The light was observed within clouds. The author captured three digital photos using a cellular phone at 18:15, 18:16, and 18:21. The report notes that the phone's watch was approximately two minutes slow. The last photo shows an inverted triangular, red object, identified as a traffic sign. The author stayed for nine minutes, leaving at 18:22. He observed that the light had disappeared by 18:29 but reappeared at a lower position by 18:33. The author also discusses the possibility of the object being a projected searchlight, referencing a diagram (Figure B) that illustrates an elliptical shape, contrasting it with the circular appearance of the object in his photos (Figure A, showing a nearly full moon above the same pole).

A Report to Sky People from Tokyo

This section reports on a "Sky People Report Meeting" held on June 24, 2007, in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Unlike a previous meeting in 2000 which featured only one speaker, this 2007 meeting included multiple speakers. The meeting began with a closed-door session for about 10 former activists of the "CBA (Cosmic Brotherhood Association)," a legendary Japanese UFO group. The author and Mr. Osamu Sato, president of the Sky People Association, attended as observers. The meeting discussed the history of the CBA movement, which was led by a contactee and supported by UFOs about 40 years prior.

The afternoon and evening sessions were open to the general public, with a total of 8 speakers. Mr. Amamiya explained the meaning of the meeting's name, "sky people," suggesting it could refer to reports about, or by, sky people, but ultimately directed "to sky people." Mr. Amamiya admired Mr. Daisuke Yamamoto, who lectured after him. Yamamoto, a member of the "Other Flesh [space people] Union" (founded in 2006), believes UFOs concern all of Earth's people and his group accepts anyone. Yamamoto is a UFO-sighting-repeater.

Mr. Osamu Sato presented a hypothesis about an ancient Japanese nation led by a contact-man, which was overthrown by an emperor-led nation. Mr. Teiji Sato reviewed the 2005 NARCAP (USA) report, "Analysis of Digital Video Aerial Event of October 23, 2004 at Osaka, Japan." He corrected a misunderstanding in the report, stating that the luminous body was not invisible but that Mr. Amamiya simply could not see it with the naked eye.

The author also presented two of his videos of mysterious aerial phenomena during the evening meeting, noting this was an unusual occasion for him to share such material.

They Believe in UFOs, That is All

This section comments on recent news regarding government officials in Japan acknowledging UFOs. Despite confessions from important government figures in December 2007, the news did not create a significant stir, as Japanese people generally have low respect for politicians. The author suggests it is natural for Japanese politicians to be tolerant of "visitors from outer space," referencing the cultural acceptance of "alien Buddhas and Gods." A notable piece of information is that the Governor of Tokyo, Mr. Shintaro Ishihara, reportedly despises UFOs, according to the Sankei Shinbun. Ishihara was a member of the Japan Flying Saucer Research Association (JFSA) in his youth.

New Book Announcement

An announcement is made for the book "Yoroppa no UFO (UFOs in Europe)," published in December 2007. It is a 239-page translation of "Best UFO Cases – Europe (1998)" by German ufologist Illobrand von Ludwiger. The translator is Mr. Yasuo Kuwabara, and the publisher is Buitsu-soryushon. The book costs ¥3800+tax and is sold by Seiun-sha. The announcement notes that Japan lacks an organization capable of handling UFO flaps and that UFO study there is "personal." It emphasizes that ufology should be "UFOlogic" and that scientific study is a gamble. The book is praised for presenting novel figures on radar records and other data. Mr. K of Tokyo is mentioned as a donor of this book.

Address Change

The author announces a recent change of address to 6-52-1 Shimouma, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 154-0002, JAPAN.

Corrections

• Corrections are provided for the previous issue (The 12th Issue, Page 1):
• The 8th line: "This performance over UK was repeated on seven days" is corrected to "UK was done."
• The 20th line from the bottom: "our science is unable to prove nothing" is corrected to "science is able to."
• The 6th line from the bottom: "when the common people have only limited abilities" is corrected to "had only limited abilities."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan" demonstrates a critical yet engaged approach to the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of personal observation and analysis, encouraging logical reasoning within ufology. There is a clear interest in documenting personal sightings, as evidenced by the author's own photographic report. The magazine also serves as a platform for discussing the history and current state of UFO research and groups in Japan, highlighting both enthusiast communities and official responses. The publication seems to advocate for a more grounded and rational approach to UFO study, as suggested by the emphasis on "UFOlogic" and the critical review of reports and claims. The inclusion of corrections indicates a commitment to accuracy and ongoing dialogue with readers.