Japan orders its Self-Defense Forces to record and report UFO encounters
September 14, 2020 · Ministry of Defense, Tokyo · Executive action · Secondary sources only
On 14 September 2020 Defense Minister Taro Kono's order took effect, telling the Self-Defense Forces to photograph, record and analyze unidentified objects in Japanese airspace. Kono said he had discussed UFOs with US Defense Secretary Mark Esper in Guam.
Why it matters (3/5)
The first formal UFO reporting order in a major allied military after the US Navy videos.
Caveats
Japan's earlier official position (2018) was that their existence had not been confirmed. Reports link the order to the US Navy videos but do not show that the videos caused it. The ministry's text was not opened.
Sources
- Japan is now tracking and investigating UFOs (FOX Television Stations), context