The Imperial Transition UFOs: Did Extraterrestrials Witness Japan’s New Emperor in 2019?

Major historical events often seem to attract unexplained phenomena, and the ascension of a new Emperor in Japan was no exception. Back in 2019, a series of bizarre UFO sightings over Tokyo’s Imperial Palace sparked international headlines and intense debate. Was it a simple drone, or did extraterrestrial visitors arrive to witness a pivotal moment in Japanese history?

A Royal Sighting: UFOs over the Imperial Palace

The story unfolded on the evening of May 2, 2019, just one day after Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne, heralding the beginning of the new “Reiwa” era. Multiple reports flooded in of mysterious, glowing objects hovering in the sky around the Imperial Palace.

Image 1:The Imperial Transition UFOs: Did Extraterrestrials Witness Japan's New Emperor in 2019?
Image credit: ANNnewsCH

While mainstream Japanese media quickly dismissed the lights as drones, the British newspaper Daily Star took a different angle, running the headline: “UFO appears over Imperial Palace.” The sightings weren’t limited to the palace itself; similar objects were also reported over the Akasaka Imperial Residence, where the new Emperor and Empress resided, and even over the Musashi Imperial Graveyard, the final resting place of past emperors.

The timing and location led many to speculate that the objects were intelligently controlled and showing a profound interest in Japan’s new monarch. On Twitter (now X), users were convinced:

“Wasn’t that a UFO flying over the Imperial Palace?”
“The thing flying over the palace was definitely a UFO.”
“Saw the news about strange lights at the Imperial Palace. That was a UFO, for sure.”

Experts Divided: Drones or Visitors?

The incident sharply divided Japan’s UFO research community. Junichi Yaoi, a legendary figure in Japanese ufology, suggested on his blog that it was likely a prank by someone seeking social media fame during the celebratory period. “I understand the desire to call it a UFO,” he wrote, “but it’s probably just some low-level stunt for likes.”

However, not everyone was convinced. UFO researcher Ryo Takemoto argued passionately that the drone theory made no sense. He pointed out that the Imperial Palace is a strict no-fly zone for drones, enforced by law.

“Why would anyone risk flying an expensive drone at night in a restricted area?” Takemoto questioned. “If it crashed, recovery would be nearly impossible. Furthermore, with police on high alert, would they dare to do it again on May 6th, when another sighting was reported? Rationally, there is zero benefit for a human to fly a drone under these conditions.”

Takemoto offered a different explanation: “Extraterrestrials, on the other hand, have a reason. They possess a journalistic, intellectual curiosity. They come to observe humanity’s historical turning points.” He also shared his own experience of witnessing a fleet of dozens of UFOs over the Imperial Palace in 1986, which moved in ways impossible for balloons. “I believe the area around the Imperial Palace has become a place where they are likely to appear,” he concluded.

A Cosmic Welcome for a New Era?

The debate remains unresolved, but the drone explanation leaves many questions unanswered. The idea that intelligent, non-human observers were drawn to a moment of profound cultural and historical significance in Japan offers a compelling, if extraordinary, alternative.

What were these strange lights that graced the skies during the dawn of the Reiwa era? Were they a cosmic welcome for a new emperor, a sign of a coming “space age” as some researchers suggested, or simply a poorly-timed prank? We may never know for sure, but the incident remains a fascinating chapter in the long history of UFO sightings linked to major world events, leaving us to wonder just how the universe views our most sacred traditions.

Related Keywords: ,
TOCANA Editorial Team

TOCANA – A Paranormal News Media Outlet That Stimulates Your Curiosity with UFOs, UAPs, Cryptids, Spirits, Prophecies, and More
Twitter: @TOCANAnews
Instagram: tocanagram
Facebook: tocana.web
YouTube: TOCANA Channel

※ Unauthorized reproduction, video creation, and uploading of this article's content to YouTube, blogs, or other platforms is strictly prohibited.

Related Articles

    Popular Series

    This is the page for The Imperial Transition UFOs: Did Extraterrestrials Witness Japan’s New Emperor in 2019?. Find the latest news about , and more on TOCANA - the paranormal news media that stimulates your curiosity

    Popular Articles RankingUpdated 17:35