Members of the Japanese government will investigate recent sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), to determine if the sightings are credible. The group will work to determine if the spotted craft are in any way a threat to Japan’s security.

While the Japanese group is open to exploring all sightings, their focus is very much on the possibility of earthbound threats, especially from neighboring China, rather than extraterrestrial ones.

Like most countries, Japan has traditionally not paid a lot of attention to UFO sightings. A number of factors have boosted awareness of UAPs: a number of high-profile sightings reported by U.S. military pilots, radar operators, and other personnel; the development of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones; and China’s use of balloons to collect intelligence regarding foreign countries.

The broad concern is that China or Russia could be behind the sightings. The greatest concern is that either country might have experienced a technological breakthrough that allows its aircraft to conduct aerial maneuvers that are impossible by today’s standards.