This episode focuses on the Ishi-no-Hoden megalith in Honshu, Japan—a 500-ton structure carved from a single rock that appears to hover over a pool of water. According to Giorgio Tsoukalos and guide Nikki Tsukamoto, Japanese legend describes it as depicting a "sky ship made of stone" witnessed descending from the heavens. The episode argues that Japan's ancient megalithic sites, centuries-old texts with diagrams of aerial craft, and keyhole-shaped tomb structures that allegedly mirror formations photographed on Mars all point to extraterrestrial contact in Japan's distant past. Ancient astronaut theorists suggest this explains Japan's modern technological dominance and a 2007 surge in UFO reports that prompted extraordinary public statements from Japanese officials, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura affirming his belief in extraterrestrials and Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussing alien invasion scenarios.
Mainstream archaeologists recognize the Ishi-no-Hoden as an impressive example of ancient Japanese stone-carving technique, likely created using wedges and chisels over extended periods, with its "hovering" appearance achieved through careful engineering of its supporting base. The keyhole-shaped kofun tombs are well-documented burial mounds for elite rulers from the 3rd-7th centuries, their distinctive shape reflecting cultural and political symbolism rather than Martian blueprints. For skeptics, the episode offers genuine intrigue in Japan's documented openness about UFO sightings at the highest government levels and the country's unique cultural capacity to honor ancient traditions while pioneering cutting-edge robotics and technology—a paradox worth exploring even without invoking ancient aliens.
Daisen Kofun
Japan · Japanese
Theorists argue that the keyhole shape of the Daisen Kofun and over 160,000 similar kofun tombs across Japan—visible only from the sky—were designed to be identified by extraterrestrials, possibly marking the burial sites of their own ancestors who intermingled with Japan's imperial lineage. Mainstream archaeology identifies the Daisen Kofun as the mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku, the largest tomb by area in the world, built during the Kofun period as a statement of imperial power.
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
Japan · Modern
Theorists argue that a fleet of white orbs recorded hovering over the Fukushima Daiichi site on March 26, 2011—two weeks after the nuclear meltdown—represents alien craft belonging to extraterrestrial beings deeply concerned about humanity's use of atomic power, consistent with a pattern of UFO activity near nuclear sites worldwide. The Japanese government and mainstream investigators attributed the disaster to the March 11 tsunami and have not commented officially on the orb footage.
Harayadori Shore (Utsuro Bune incident site)
Japan · Japanese
Theorists argue the 1803 Utsuro Bune incident, in which fishermen on the Harayadori shore encountered a disc-shaped craft with heat-resistant metal plates and a foreign-speaking woman inside, represents a documented extraterrestrial visitation recorded in three separate Japanese texts. Mainstream historians acknowledge the texts exist but regard the account as folklore or a misidentified foreign vessel, noting no physical evidence remains.
Ise Grand Shrine
Japan · Shinto Japanese
Theorists argue the Ise Grand Shrine houses the Sacred Mirror, one of the Imperial Regalia allegedly given by the goddess Amaterasu to Emperor Jimmu, and that if these objects were brought by celestial beings they are by definition of extraterrestrial origin. Mainstream scholars describe Ise as the most sacred Shinto complex in Japan, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, rebuilt every 20 years in a tradition called Shikinen Sengu, with the Sacred Mirror regarded as a symbol of imperial legitimacy.
Ishi-no-Hoden
Japan · Shinto Japanese
Ancient Astronaut theorists claim this 500-ton megalith carved from a single rock was built to depict a sky ship that ancient people witnessed descending from the heavens. The structure appears to hover over water and represents extraterrestrial contact with ancient Japan.
Ishibutai Kofun
Japan · Japanese
Theorists argue the Ishibutai Kofun's 77-ton capstone and combined 2,300-ton structure could not have been moved on wooden sleds as archaeologists suggest, implying lost advanced or extraterrestrial engineering knowledge. Mainstream archaeology attributes the construction to skilled Kofun-period artisans using wooden sledges and earthen ramps, noting it is the largest megalithic tomb in Japan.
Mahabalipuram rock carvings
India · Hindu / Buddhist / Jain
Theorists draw a parallel between the square grid patterns carved on the sides of the Masuda-no-Iwafune in Japan and similar grid markings observed on rocks at Mahabalipuram, India, suggesting a shared ancient technological or extraterrestrial influence across both sites. No mainstream counter-argument is presented for this specific comparison in the episode.
Masuda-no-Iwafune
Japan · Japanese
Theorists argue the Masuda-no-Iwafune, whose name literally means 'stone ship' or 'rock ship,' was carved from an 800-ton single granite block to depict or commemorate the flying stone boats (Ama no Iwafune) described in ancient Japanese texts as vehicles used by gods descending from the heavens. Mainstream researchers debate its purpose, with some suggesting it is a tomb or observatory, while others note it predates Buddhism in Japan and its true function remains unknown.
Osaka (UFO sightings, July 2015)
Japan · Modern
Theorists argue that multiple witnesses filming a fleet of white orbs over Osaka in July 2015, moving in erratic patterns inconsistent with lanterns, represent continuing extraterrestrial visitation of a region historically linked to major Shinto sacred sites and kofun tombs. The Japanese government dismissed the sightings as candles or lanterns.