UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan
Issue: Vol.8 No.1
Date: June 2008
Publisher: Junji Numakawa (Copyright ©2008)
Country of Publication: Japan
Language: English

This issue of 'UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan' delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, offering critical perspectives and reporting on recent developments and historical cases. The magazine is edited and published by Junji Numakawa from Tokyo, Japan.

A Prophecy

The issue opens with a section titled 'A Prophecy,' referencing the influence of George Hunt Williamson on early Japanese UFO students. Williamson's book 'Other Tongues-Other Flesh' is mentioned, and a quote from a chapter called 'The Guessers' is highlighted: "If man on Earth can conquer space, then he will extend his miseries to the Universe.. • The vast astronomical distances which are God's 'quarantine' regulations must somehow be overcome." The author expresses concern that subversive activities to interplanetary travel might appear in the future, potentially originating from within the UFO community itself, drawing a parallel to "anti-space-development radicals."

In Appreciation to SUFOG and IRAAP

This section details the dissolution of two overseas UFO research organizations. In January 2008, the editor received a letter from Steve Gerrard, founder and chairman of the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG) in the UK, announcing the group's dissolution after being founded in 1990. In February, a similar announcement came from Raymond W. Cecot, organizational director of the Independent Researchers' Association for Anomalous Phenomena (IRAAP) in Albany, New York, whose newsletter 'The Messenger' ceased publication. Both Gerrard and Cecot had previously responded favorably to the editor's work. SUFOG was noted for its energetic 'Sky Watch' activities, and while the editor's poor Japanese language skills limited the exchange of UFO videos, Gerrard's newsletter provided valuable information to Japan. Mr. Cecot had reproduced articles from this publication for his readers, which the editor considered a great honor.

The Peculiarity of Japan

The issue points out a unique aspect of Japan regarding UFOs, highlighted in December 2007. Unlike in the USA, Japanese politicians can openly declare themselves UFO-believers without significant scientific backlash. The article mentions Mr. Ryuji Yamane, a Diet member whose interpellation sparked a public discussion. The criticism directed at government officials (Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minister of Defense, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) was not for believing in UFOs, but for allegedly overstepping their duties. A blogger is cited as blaming them. The article notes that Japan has not been tormented by UFOs in the same way as the USA. A quote from a Secretary's casual remark on May 15, 2008, regarding the release of UFO sighting documents by the UK National Archives is included: "maa (well; now; then) soyu hanashi (that sort of stories; stories like that) wa aru (exist; there are) no kana (I would like to suppose) to omoi masu (I think that) ne (I would like to say; I dare say)." Footnotes clarify references to Mr. Yamane's previous interpellation and a magazine article about his wife/family.

Views in Japan: JAL Sighting over Alaska (1986)

This section focuses on the Japan Airlines (JAL) sighting over Alaska in November 1986. The editor planned an exhaustive study after reading a magazine article suggesting Captain Terauchi regretted his publication. The editor obtained Mr. Kenju Terauchi's address but had not yet contacted him. It was noted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had already announced his detailed testimony. A book titled 'UFO-gaku Nyumon' (A Primer of UFOlogy) by Ryutaro Minakami, a skeptic, is mentioned. Minakami highlighted points such as other planes not seeing a UFO, Captain Terauchi being a UFO-sighting repeater, and a later incident where Terauchi mistook a cloud reflection for a UFO. The article questions the validity of Terauchi's testimony, particularly his drawing of a "mother ship" shaped like a squashed Saturn, suggesting it was based on supposition and seen only as a silhouette against city lights. However, the digital weather radar showing a huge round object (2 kilometers in diameter) is considered significant, indicating it might have been a group of numerous objects, similar to how radar screens display clouds. The editor compares Captain Terauchi to Kenneth Arnold, another UFO-sighting repeater whose testimony was sometimes confused. The article also references a report by Ryo Takemoto, who sought disclosure of investigative documents from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, but was told no administrative documents existed.

New Book and Corrections

A new book, 'UFO wa Tondeiru!' (UFOs are flying!), a translation of a French book by Jean-Jacques Velasco, is announced. The book covers French UFO investigations and discusses events in France involving "Martians" in 1954, questioning the physical evidence presented.

Corrections from the previous issue are also listed, including a spelling error ('exolained' to 'explained') and a phrase correction ('on sky people' to 'on sky people').

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include critical analysis of UFO phenomena, the historical context of UFO research in Japan and internationally, and the examination of specific UFO cases. The editor expresses a critical yet open-minded approach, questioning unsubstantiated claims while acknowledging significant evidence. There's a focus on the international exchange of UFO information and the challenges of language barriers. The editorial stance appears to be one of careful investigation, seeking factual accuracy, and providing a platform for discussion and critique within the UFO community.