ASHIYA AB, JAPAN, July 1952July 1952

On July 26, 1952, at 9:45 p.m., an officer stationed at Ashiya Air Base in Kyushu, Japan saw unusual lights in the sky near the town of Kokura, to the east. The light first appeared low on the horizon, glowing like the moon through a thin cloud. It held steady for about a minute, then began moving north and west, crossing toward the coast. As it moved, the light grew brighter and larger. The observer estimated it stretched at least 300 feet long and 200 feet wide, traveling at less than 200 miles per hour at an altitude between 1,500 and 3,000 feet.

About 45 seconds later, a second bright light appeared moving from west to east, passing directly overhead. This light was shaped differently, pointed in the direction it was traveling, with pointed sides extending roughly 300 feet behind it. The observer noted its speed was extremely high, apparently faster than any conventional aircraft. After passing overhead, the first light returned to its original location and hovered with little change in altitude, making abrupt movements that resembled a searchlight beam being rapidly manipulated. During this period, a thin beam or rays appeared to connect points within and around the main light. Throughout the sighting, there was no sound. The observer ruled out industrial activity, weather balloons, and searchlight reflection, noting that the object's behavior and appearance did not match any known explanation.

The sighting was witnessed by several other airmen at the base whose accounts matched the officer's description. Weather during the incident included scattered clouds at 3,000 feet, a ceiling at 15,000 feet, visibility of 10 miles, and south-southwest winds at 10 knots. The Air Force classified the sighting as unknown. The complete case file, as held by the National Archives, is reproduced below across 20 pages.