UFO Researcher - 2007 vol 17 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: THE UFO RESEARCHER
Issue: VOL.17 NO.1
Date: 2007
Publisher: SKY PEOPLE ASSOCIATION WEST JAPAN

This issue of "THE UFO RESEARCHER" delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on encounters involving helicopters. The magazine features reports from Japan and internationally, offering analyses of photographic and video evidence, witness testimonies, and historical cases.

Featured Articles and Reports

Small UFO and the Helicopter Pursuing It - Witnessed from the Ground!

This article details a sighting on November 8, 2006, in Moriyashi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The witness, Masahiro Sasaki, a former member of the CBA Kanagawa Circle, describes observing a UFO while at his home. He recounts hearing a helicopter approaching, which then made a sharp turn. Upon opening his rain shutters, he saw a low-flying helicopter with flashing lights. Simultaneously, he noticed a star-like object, appearing as a bright point, moving in the same direction as the helicopter. This object was reportedly moving at twice the speed of an artificial satellite, maintaining a speed comparable to the helicopter. Sasaki estimates the UFO's altitude to be around 100 meters. He notes that the UFO maintained a distance of 5-6 times the helicopter's length, suggesting it was a small, possibly remotely controlled, reconnaissance craft.

The report includes a diagram illustrating the witness's observation and a map of the area. Sasaki speculates that the helicopter pilot may have spotted the luminous object and attempted to pursue it. The encounter concluded when both the helicopter and the UFO disappeared behind neighboring houses.

UFO Sightings and Helicopter Cases

The magazine presents several case studies of UFOs interacting with or being observed alongside helicopters:

• 1968 Vietnam War: Incidents described as "mystery helicopter incidents" occurred where UFO movements mimicked helicopter capabilities like hovering and vertical ascent/descent.
• 1973 USA: A notable event involved a UFO reportedly lifting a US Army Reserve helicopter, suggesting intelligent control.
• November 17, 1991, Yao Airport, Japan: A white light was observed near a helicopter at Yao Airport. The report details the efforts of the Osaka UFO Circle (OUC) to document the phenomenon using infrared film and video cameras.
• May 28, 1992, Chitose, Japan: A high-speed white object was filmed by a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member, appearing to pass by a helicopter and then vanish.
• November 9, 1965, Manhattan, USA: During a major blackout, a UFO was photographed over Manhattan by a LIFE magazine photographer.
• 2003 UK: A police helicopter in Brighton, UK, tracked a silent, spherical, tailless object, with footage captured during both day and night.
• February 26, 1993, Louisville, Kentucky, USA: A sheriff's helicopter encountered a pear-shaped object, and a "fireball" was reportedly fired towards the helicopter.
• September 16, 1993, Mexico: A UFO was observed within a formation of Mexican Air Force helicopters, exhibiting similar flight capabilities and suggesting a shared intelligence.

Analysis of UFO Characteristics

The magazine discusses the characteristics of UFOs observed, noting their ability to hover, ascend and descend vertically, and maneuver at high speeds. The objects are often described as light points or star-like, with some appearing as discs or cylindrical shapes. The report suggests that UFOs appearing near aircraft might be signaling a "similarity in intelligence" and a desire for non-hostile interaction, rather than posing a threat.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The issue includes contact information for the publisher, Sky People Association West Japan, and lists representatives and correspondents worldwide. The editorial staff includes Kiyoshi Amamiya as Editor, Yuki Amamiya as Managing Editor, and several Associate Editors. The magazine is printed in Japan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the intersection of UFO phenomena with aerial vehicles, particularly helicopters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and detailed reporting of sightings and evidence. The magazine emphasizes the importance of photographic and video documentation, as well as witness testimony. There is a suggestion that UFOs exhibit a level of intelligence and may not be inherently hostile, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of these encounters. The publication aims to provide a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings and contribute to the ongoing study of UFOs.

This issue of the magazine, dated December 2006, features a special meeting of the OUC (Osaka UFO Circle) with guest speaker Shinichiro Namiki, a prominent UFO writer and researcher. The cover headline announces the event: "Participating in the OUC Special Meeting with Shinichiro Namiki." The issue also includes reports on UFO sightings and photographic evidence.

OUC Special Meeting with Shinichiro Namiki

The meeting, held on December 10, 2006, at the Osaka City General Lifelong Learning Center, was organized by the OUC. The initial idea to invite Namiki, a key writer for 'Mu' magazine and author of numerous books, had been considered for years, but his busy schedule and past health issues made it difficult to arrange. The event was made possible through the efforts of Kazuo Hayashi, the Osaka branch manager of J.S.P.S. (Japan Space Phenomena Research Association) and a fellow investigator of the Yamanashi UFO incident with Namiki.

The attendees were diverse, including members of the Osaka UFO Circle, staff from OUR-J (Japan UFO Investigation and Promotion Organization), and individuals associated with J.S.P.S. The editor noted that while he knew some attendees, many were new to him, and it was a valuable opportunity to meet them.

The meeting room, located on the fifth floor of the Osaka Station Building, was equipped with tables and laptop computers. The audience was predominantly male, with only two women present. Approximately 20 people attended.

Namiki's Presentation: The 'Man-made UFO' Theory

Shinichiro Namiki presented his theory that 99.9% of UFO sightings are actually misidentifications of secret military aircraft or experimental technology. He argued that phenomena like the Arnold sighting could be explained by early flying wing aircraft developed in Germany. Namiki also suggested that the Roswell incident was not an alien crash but a cover-up by the US government to conceal its nuclear weapons program and other military secrets.

He pointed out that newspapers are now avoiding the term 'UFO,' a trend he attributes to the aftermath of the Aum Shinrikyo incident, which led to a general self-censorship regarding sensitive topics on television and in print.

Namiki recounted early personal experiences with unexplained phenomena, including seeing two objects split from a kite and other strange sightings in his childhood. He also mentioned witnessing two unidentified objects ascend from the ground while visiting Area 51 in the US.

Discussion on 'Man-made UFOs'

A discussion arose regarding the implications of the 'man-made UFO' theory. The OUC chairman, Yamano, asked if the interest in UFOs would wane if they were all terrestrial in origin. Several attendees shared their views, indicating that while the extraterrestrial aspect is appealing, the scientific investigation of phenomena remains important.

Witness Testimonies

Masahiro Sasaki's Account

Masahiro Sasaki, a 60-year-old attendee, shared his detailed experiences. He recalled seeing a purplish light moving erratically during Mars' closest approach and a comet-like object in 1956. He also described a UFO sighting from October 10, 1962, in Yokohama. He observed an object descending, emitting light particles, and then ascending. He described the object as perfectly circular, like a flat mirror, with a pale yellow-tinged silver-white color. It had a triangular shape extending backward, from which light particles were ejected intermittently. He estimated its altitude to be below 500 meters and its flight time to be around 10 seconds.

Sasaki also provided a drawing of the UFO's flight path and a description of its shape and the light particles it emitted. He noted that the object's behavior was not that of a natural phenomenon but suggested an 'intelligent entity.'

Masaya Umaba's Sightings

Masaya Umaba reported two sightings. On February 5, 2005, while near a park in Aoyama, Tokyo, he saw a bright white light in the western sky that gradually faded. Later, he saw a similar light near Hanegi Park, which he photographed. On September 23, 2005, from his home in Yokohama, he observed a white light in the northwest sky. He described it as a star-like object that would disappear and reappear as clouds passed. He photographed this object as well.

UFO Photography and Analysis

The issue includes photographs taken by Masaya Umaba. One photograph, labeled 'No. 1,' shows a faint pinkish light. The article notes that this light, when enlarged, is about 2 millimeters long and appears triangular. Another set of photographs from September 23, 2005, shows a similar light. The analysis of these images suggests that while the UFOs themselves are difficult to discern clearly, the accompanying phenomena, such as light emissions, are captured.

Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly leans towards the 'man-made UFO' theory, questioning the extraterrestrial origin of many reported sightings. The editor, Kiyoshi Amamiya, emphasizes the need for a more rigorous and scientific approach to UFO research, moving away from purely speculative or romanticized notions. The magazine appears to advocate for critical examination of evidence and a focus on terrestrial explanations, while acknowledging the enduring mystery and fascination surrounding UFO phenomena. The recurring theme is the critical analysis of UFO evidence and the potential for misidentification or deliberate deception.

This issue of the magazine focuses on a UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sighting and investigation in Nyudo-zaki, Oga City, Akita Prefecture, Japan. The primary event occurred on September 16, 2003, when local restaurant owner Akio Kamata filmed several luminous, spherical objects.

Nyudo-zaki Sighting: September 16, 2003

The article details the experience of Akio Kamata, who was walking his dog around 7:30 PM near his restaurant, 'Misaki Kaikan,' when he observed several large, orange objects hovering in the sky. He described them as being like the full moon in size and unlike any aircraft lights he knew. Kamata, a former fisherman, immediately retrieved his home video camera and began filming. The filming lasted from approximately 7:30 PM to 8:10 PM.

Kamata's observations and the subsequent analysis of his video footage are central to the report. He noted that the objects were not naval flares, as suggested by the Maritime Safety Agency, because they were seen over land and near the grass, not just over the sea. He also mentioned that the Maritime Safety Agency confirmed that rescue training using flares was conducted annually in the area.

Object Characteristics

• Based on Kamata's testimony and the video, the objects exhibited several characteristics:
• Color: Orange, red, sometimes described as pulsing or alive.
• Shape: Primarily spherical, but also described as disk-like and triangular.
• Movement: Described as hovering, rotating, flashing, erratic, moving up and down, and performing zig-zag maneuvers. One object was seen to rapidly approach and cross the field of view.
• Sound: None reported.
• Smell: None reported.
• Appearance: One witness described them as 'pulsating and seeming alive.'
• Lighting: At one point, a bright red light enveloped the area, making it feel like a fire, though no physical burn marks were found on the grass later.

Kamata also noted that one of the objects appeared to have a hole in the center, and another seemed to emit smoke or vapor.

Other Witness Testimonies

The article includes several other reported UFO sightings in the Oga Peninsula and surrounding areas, suggesting that such phenomena are not isolated incidents:

• Akio Kamata's Son: Reported seeing a fiery object hovering over his backyard杉 (cedar) tree.
• A Resident of Nishikurosawa: Observed an unusual light that moved and disappeared, questioning why the moon was visible in a specific direction.
• Other Sightings: The article lists additional sightings with dates and brief descriptions, including:
• December 10, 1976: An orange and white object observed near an rice paddy.
• August 1973: A dark, round object seen by a 13-year-old boy.
• Various dates: Orange lights seen by Kamata and others.
• November 3, 2006: A spherical object observed by 14 people at an auto camp.
• December 10, 2004: A luminous object moving across the sky.

UFO Investigation and Tourism Promotion

Kamata's experience led him to actively investigate UFOs. He contacted the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, but received evasive answers. He also reached out to the Oga City Tourism Association and Chamber of Commerce.

UFO Seminar

To promote Oga as a UFO destination, Kamata collaborated with local organizations to host a UFO seminar on October 8, 2006, inviting renowned UFO researcher Junichi Yaobi. The event included a screening and analysis of Kamata's video footage and discussions about UFOs. Kamata expressed a desire to turn his restaurant, 'Misaki Kaikan,' into a UFO-themed attraction.

'Misaki Kaikan' as a UFO Hub

Kamata's restaurant, 'Misaki Kaikan,' became a focal point for UFO enthusiasts. He offered free viewings of his UFO video and displayed his own artwork depicting UFO sightings. The establishment also began offering UFO-themed menu items, such as 'UFO-don.'

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The magazine appears to present UFO sightings as a genuine phenomenon worthy of investigation and public attention. The article highlights the efforts of individuals like Akio Kamata to document and share their experiences. There's a clear theme of using these sightings to boost local tourism, particularly in the Oga Peninsula, which is presented as a region with a high incidence of UFO reports. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of extraterrestrial or unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the skepticism and conventional explanations offered by authorities. The recurring theme is the intersection of unexplained aerial phenomena with local culture, tourism, and individual witness accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the topic of UFOs with a focus on witness accounts and potential explanations. There's a strong emphasis on documenting sightings through photography and video, as exemplified by Akio Kamata's efforts. The publication also highlights the efforts of local communities, like Oga City, to leverage UFO sightings for tourism and economic development. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging investigation and open discussion of these phenomena, while also presenting the challenges and skepticism faced by witnesses. The recurring themes include the mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena, the importance of eyewitness testimony, and the potential for UFOs to become a unique aspect of local identity and tourism.

Title: THE UFO RESEARCHER
Issue: 17
Volume: 57
Publication Date: January 4, 2007
Publisher: Kaguya Sei, 193-5 Byōjō-chō, Tenri, Japan

This issue of THE UFO RESEARCHER delves into the intriguing legend of the "Utsurobune" (hollow boat), a mysterious vessel that purportedly washed ashore in Japan around 1803. The magazine explores the historical accounts, including woodblock prints and essays, that describe this event and speculates on its potential connection to early UFO sightings. It also highlights a modern-day recreation of the Utsurobune as a playground attraction, bridging the gap between folklore and contemporary experience. Beyond the Utsurobune, the issue touches upon various other UFO-related topics, including the nature of UFO intelligence, historical sightings, and the phenomenon of 'orbs'.

The Utsurobune Legend

The cover story, "The 'Utsurobune' Appears as a Plaything in Kaihin Park!", introduces the Utsurobune legend. The author, Fujitaira, began investigating this mystery in 2006 after encountering a woodblock print of the Utsurobune in the Funabashi Nishi Library. The legend describes a strange boat, hollow inside, that drifted ashore during the late Edo period, specifically in the 3rd year of Kyōwa (1803). The boat contained a young, beautiful woman with unusual features, who spoke an unknown language and clutched a wooden box. The boat itself was described as being about 5.4 meters wide and 3.3 meters high, made of iron with windows of glass or crystal. This incident is considered by some Japanese UFO researchers to be a potential "UFO encounter incident from the Edo period."

Fujitaira's research involved examining historical records, including the writings of Ogasawara Etchū no Kami and Ogasawara Izumi no Kami, as well as maps by Tadataka Ino. However, attempts to pinpoint the exact location of the landing, with place names like Kyōshagahama, Harayadōhama, and Akutsuura, proved difficult as matching place names and Ogasawara's territory were not found.

The article notes that the Utsurobune story has persisted for over 200 years, appearing in various woodblock prints and essays, including "Uguisukago Nikki" (1815), "Gaden Shōsetsu" (1825), and "Ume no Chiri" (1830-1844). The author emphasizes that the illustrations of the Utsurobune bear a resemblance to modern UFOs, suggesting this visual element might be key to its enduring appeal and the fascination it holds.

Modern Recreation of the Utsurobune

In a fascinating development, the Utsurobune legend has been brought to life in three dimensions. In July 2005, Kashimanada Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture opened with a playground slide modeled after the Utsurobune. The park's setting on the sandy beach of Kashimanada evokes the atmosphere of ancient texts, creating a unique experience that connects visitors to the folklore. The article includes contact information for the park and its facilities, highlighting the Utsurobune slide as a key attraction.

UFOs and Intelligence

Another section explores the nature of UFO activity, suggesting it is controlled by a "highly selective intelligence" that exhibits unpredictable behavior. The author notes that UFOs often appear to unknown individuals or are disguised as known objects like balloons or clouds, leading to perpetual debate. This intelligence, it is posited, may be deliberately creating this endless discussion, perhaps as a test or a way to avoid providing definitive answers.

Historical UFO Accounts and Theories

The issue presents several historical accounts and speculative theories related to UFOs:

• "What if Mantell Had Returned Alive?": This section revisits the 1948 incident of pilot Thomas Mantell, who pursued a UFO and died. It speculates on what might have happened if he had survived and been able to share his experience.
• "Witnesses' Duty to Explain": This part discusses the challenges faced by pilots and astronauts who have witnessed UFOs, suggesting that their testimonies are often dismissed or explained away. It touches upon the difficulty of proving such encounters and the potential for suppression of information, referencing the impact of events like 9/11.
• "Lupert Was Punched by a UFO-Witnessing Pilot": This section highlights the struggles of researchers like Lupert, who have faced skepticism and resistance while investigating UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the courage required to continue pursuing the truth despite adversity.
• Abduction Theories: The author explores the phenomenon of alien abduction, questioning whether these experiences are psychological or actual physical events. They propose the idea of using tracking devices, similar to those used for migratory birds, to investigate whether abductees are physically transported.

Military and UFOs

One section, "The Military Threat of UFOs," discusses the potential implications of UFOs for global security. It suggests that UFOs represent a significant threat to military powers, capable of rendering conventional weapons ineffective. The presence of UFOs could instill a sense of fear and vulnerability, especially in the context of nuclear warfare.

UFOs in Cinema

This part examines instances of UFOs appearing in films, both intentionally and possibly by chance. Examples include a sighting in the 1968 Russian film "War and Peace" and a mysterious light in the 1962 film "El Cid." The author speculates that these appearances might be symbolic or intended to convey messages about advanced civilizations or divine intervention.

ORBS Phenomenon

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to the phenomenon of "ORBS," circular light anomalies often captured in photographs. The author shares personal experiences of photographing these phenomena, particularly with a digital camera using a flash. The article includes detailed explanations and diagrams, suggesting that ORBS might be caused by dust particles or water vapor reflecting the camera's flash, creating a lens flare effect. However, it also acknowledges that some ORBS may exhibit self-luminescence or display human-like faces, indicating that the phenomenon is not fully understood.

Historical UFO Sightings and Data

Several sections provide data and accounts of historical UFO sightings:

• "Description of Chinese UFO Ancient Diagram": This section presents an ancient Chinese diagram depicting a fiery sphere appearing in the sky over Nanjing in 1890-1892. The description details its slow movement, fiery appearance, and the confusion it caused among observers, distinguishing it from meteors or sky lanterns.
• "Year-End Six-Part Series": This appears to be a continuation of a series, with a reference to sending samples and a mention of a new "Warring States period."
• "Tenri UFO Sightings Compilation": A statistical compilation of UFO sightings reported in Tenri, Japan, from 1960 to 1991. The data includes the number of sightings per year and notes on different types of observations, such as unusual lights and small flying objects.
• "In the Sky": This section features a photograph of a Hawker Hurricane fighter formation with a peculiar cloud formation, questioning its nature. It also includes a reference to a photograph of a German battleship "Graf Spee" and a mention of a "vertical elliptical cloud."

International UFO Research

The magazine also touches upon international UFO research, mentioning:

• A photograph of a model of a flying saucer on a trailer in Brazil, with commentary on its unusual display.
• A book titled "TAJEMNICA KSEEZYCOWEJ JASKINI" (Mystery of the Starry Caves) by Polish UFO researchers Robert K. Leśniakiewicz and Miloš Jesenský, which explores ancient advanced technology found in caves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the enduring mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena, the intersection of folklore and potential extraterrestrial encounters, and the ongoing efforts of researchers to document and understand these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of information and the critical examination of evidence, while acknowledging the challenges and skepticism often associated with UFO research. The magazine promotes the idea that personal accounts and historical records, when shared and analyzed, can contribute to a broader understanding of these phenomena.