UFOs Are Known as Flying Saucers

Unidentified flying objects are known as flying saucers. For how long have they been known about in Japan? Upon searching a database of small newspapers, we find an article from July 1947 titled “Flying Saucer: An Evening Story for the Summer from America.” This refers to the “Roswell incident.”

The Army collected an object that fell onto a ranch near Roswell, New Mexico, which came to be reported as a flying saucer. That was revised to an observation balloon, but even today, many believe that it was a UFO piloted by aliens.

Afterward, reports of UFOs in Japan increased in the 1970s. There was also a boom in interest in the occult, and many TV specials were broadcast. Nissin Foods released its UFO brand of instant noodles in 1976. Pink Lady’s* “UFO” was a big hit in 1977 and 1978.

Has a second boom arrived? Starting last year, the U.S. military has begun releasing images of UFOs. A U.S. governmental report published at the end of June determined that a definite conclusion could not be reached about most of the cases reviewed by the U.S. military and did not reject the possibility that mysterious objects exist. Former U.S. President Barack Obama also says he would like to know more about them.

What sort of objects can even the U.S. military not be able to logically explain? There are likely many whose curiosity is stimulated. Roswell is holding its UFO Festival, which was canceled last year on account of the COVID-19 disaster. There are also municipalities in Japan, like Hakui, Ishikawa Prefecture, that use UFOs for celebrations. A research center, UFO Contact Hall, opened in Fukushima when America released its information. Will we able to enjoy the mysteries of UFOs without taking them seriously?

*Translator’s note: Pink Lady was a Japanese disco music duo.