UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Criticism by J.N. from Japan
Issue: Vol.11 No.2
Date: July 2011
Publisher: J.N. from Japan
Country: Japan
Language: English (translated from Japanese)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Fukushima: a Short Report

This issue focuses on the situation surrounding the UFO Fureai-Kan (UFO Public Hall) in Fukushima City, Japan, in the aftermath of the March 11, 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant No.1.

The UFO Fureai-Kan, a municipal facility located about 50 kilometers northwest of the power plant, became a point of interest due to its proximity to the affected area and the presence of radioactive substances carried by the wind on March 15. The article cites the Fukushima City website, reporting radiation levels at 1 meter above the ground at the hall on May 12 as 1.51 microsieverts per hour. This measurement was the first by the city for this specific spot and was approximately 43 times higher than the ordinary levels recorded in Tokyo. Subsequent measurements on May 26, June 9, and June 23 showed slightly lower but still elevated levels (1.46, 1.39, and 1.35 microsieverts per hour, respectively).

The hall was originally founded by Iino Town in 1992 with the aim of attracting national attention, and it houses a significant collection of materials donated by Mr. Kinichi Arai (1923-2002), described as one of Japan's earliest UFOlogists. The article notes that while Iino Town became part of Fukushima City in 2008, the city's ordinance for the hall does not explicitly state its purpose as being concerned with UFOs, referring to it simply as "UFO Fureai-Kan."

Mr. Tsugio Kinoshita (1947-), who served as the director of the hall for 17 years starting in 1993, is also mentioned. After his retirement, he opened a saloon at his home featuring about 700 items he had collected. The article indicates that the UFO Fureai-Kan currently has no director, and staff members are not deeply knowledgeable about UFOs, leading some UFO enthusiasts to visit Mr. Kinoshita for information.

Following the earthquake and tsunami, the UFO Fureai-Kan was closed until April 11. As of July 5, two Japanese-style rooms on the second floor remained closed. The extent of the shaking in Iino Town during the earthquake was rated as "5 Jaku" (lower 5), described as being shaken by King Kong with one hand. Mr. Kinoshita's saloon also reportedly withstood the event.

Notes and Explanations

The article includes several explanatory notes:

• Note #1: Explains that "fureai" literally means "touching each other" and is a popular term in Japanese local government, signifying connection, while "kan" means "hall."
• Note #2: Refers to a graph from the Fukushima University website showing aerial radiation levels in Fukushima City from March 13 to 31. It highlights that on March 15, the value suddenly rose from near zero to 24 microsieverts per hour. The note mentions that Iodine-131, a key radioactive element, has a half-life of 8 days, causing a rapid decrease in its measured value, while Cesium-137 has a half-life of 30 years.
• Note #3: Compares the radiation levels in Fukushima to Tokyo. Ordinary levels in Tokyo are around 0.035 microsieverts per hour. On March 15, Tokyo briefly measured 0.809 microsieverts per hour, but by the next day, it dropped to 0.161. Since April 25, Tokyo's levels have been around 0.06 microsieverts per hour, which is lower than New York City's (around 0.09 microsieverts per hour).
• Note #4: Discusses the complexity of radiation numerical values, clarifying that "maximum permissible dose" is not absolute and can be subjective. It also explains that "sievert" is an adjusted value. The note calculates that the annual exposure at UFO Fureai-Kan (13000 microsieverts or 13 millisieverts) would be equivalent to being outdoors 24 hours a day, and also accounts for potential "internal exposure."
• Notes #5, #6, #7, #8: Provide citations for information regarding the Iino Town ordinance, Fukushima City website, Mr. Kinoshita's newsletter, and a letter from Mr. Kinoshita, respectively.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to critically examine UFO phenomena and related events, particularly in the context of significant public incidents like the Fukushima disaster. The editorial stance seems to be one of careful reporting and analysis, providing factual data (like radiation measurements) alongside anecdotal information and historical context about UFOlogy in Japan. The inclusion of detailed notes suggests a commitment to accuracy and transparency in presenting information. The focus on the UFO Fureai-Kan highlights how even seemingly niche interests can intersect with major societal events.