Even in the 21st century of modern age of science and technology, there are still places in Japan shrouded in mystery and enigma.

Step into this world of wonder and mystery in Tohoku and Niigata.

The first mystery lies in Aomori Prefecture. In 1935, an ancient document was found in the Takeuchi family of the Imperial Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture, stating that Jesus Christ had secretly escaped to Japan where he lived to the grand age of 106.

Based on this revelation, the tomb of Jesus Christ, who was supposed to have been crucified on Golgotha hll, was discovered in Shingo Village (formerly Herai Village). The name of the village itself is also rather perplexing; their is a theory that the old name of Shingo Village—Herai—was actually derived from the word “Hebrew.”

According to the Takeuchi family archives, there are seven pyramids in Japan older than the pyramids of ancient Egypt. One of them is the Oishigami Pyramid in Shingo Village, a structure with a huge stone at the top.

Legend says it has been used since ancient times as a place for worshipping the sun.

Tomb of Christ

http://www.vill.shingo.aomori.jp/sight/sight_main/kankou/sight-christ/

Oishigami Pyramid

http://www.vill.shingo.aomori.jp/sight/sight_main/kankou/sight-pyra/

The next place involves a six-pointed star in Iwate Prefecture.

It was during the Heian period (794-1185) when the Oshu Fujiwara clan was flourishing in Hiraizumi.

Yin-yang masters, who supported those in power by divination and geomancy, were believed to have set up star-shaped hexagonal boundaries using magical stones at shrines and other locations.

The boundary connects Hakusan Shrine at Hiraizumi Mt. Kinkeisan, Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Hall at Iwaya, Maikusa Shrine at Kannonyama, Mishima Shrine at Hagisho, Taki Shrine, and Kashima Shrine in the old Onishigai Village, with the oldest shrine in the Tohoku region, Haishiwa Shrine, located in the center.

There are rumors in the neighboring areas that it is because of this boundary that Iwate Prefecture had no Covid-19 cases for a long time.

Another interesting story comes from Yahiko Shrine in Niigata Prefecture, the most revered shrine in the Echigo region.

It is related to the Hinotama-ishi (or Omokaru-no-ishi) that stand quietly within the shrine's precincts.

During the Keicho era (1596-1615), a mysterious phenomenon occurred in the castle of the Hirosaki domain in Tsugaru Province, when two fireballs were witnessed around the skies every night. Seeing that, the lord of the domain vowed to dedicate a torii (shrine gate) to Yahiko Shrine if he were to escape from danger at the coast of Sado Island. He did and hence, fulfilled vow that he made on the ship. It is said that if the Hinotama-ishi (fireball stone) feels light, the prayer will be fulfilled. However, if it feels heavy, the prayer will remain unfulfilled.

Yahiko Shrine Hinotama-ishi (Omokaru-no-ishi)

http://www.yahiko-jinjya.or.jp/meguru/omokaru/index.html

One of the most enigmatic and mysterious locations in the world is the moai statues of Easter Island off the coast of Chile.

Surprisingly, these mysterious statues can also be found in Minamisanriku in Miyagi Prefecture.

It all began with the tsunami caused by the earthquake in Chile in 1960, which struck the town of Minamisanriku across the Pacific Ocean.

The town took this opportunity to deepen exchanges with Chile. In 1991, the town commissioned a Chilean sculptor to create a moai statue and position it in the park to commemorate the tragedy of that tsunami.

Later, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred in 2011. After the disaster, the Chilean ambassador to Japan visited the town and in 2013, a life-size moai statue, carved from Easter Island stone, was presented to Minamisanriku for the first time in the world as a gift of support.

The moai statues are now on display in Sun Sun Shopping Village, while other replicas can also be seen at several spots in the town.

*Photo by Minamisanriku Tourism Association

https://www.m-kankou.jp/facility/moai-spot/

Search for the mysterious objects of the skies - UFOs - at UFO Fureaikan in Fukushima City in Fukushima Prefecture.

In the vicinity of Senganmori, in the northern part of Iino District, are reports of many sightings of flying objects since long ago. This paranormal activity led to the community to promote the area as a “UFO village.” At UFO Fureaikan, various materials and panels related to UFOs are on permanent display, along with a 3D theater showing this mystery surrounding Senganmori. Visitors can also relax in the observatory bath on the second floor of the facility or purchase local souvenirs at the shop.

UFO Fureaikan

https://ufonosato.com/

Although nobody can ever really confirm any of these mysteries, a journey through Tohoku and Niigata is perfect for those who enjoy such stories. Unearth the history, stories, and rumors of this region that have passed down through generations.

*There are various theories as to the origin of the objects introduced here. (text is repetitive beyond this point)