Yonaguni Monument: Japan’s Underwater Ruins

Have you ever heard of Yonaguni Monument, the submerged rock formation off the coast of Yonaguni Island, Japan? Some call it Japan’s Atlantis, a remnant of a lost civilization that sank into the ocean thousands of years ago. Others say it is a natural phenomenon, a result of geological processes and erosion. In this article, we will explore the history, features, and theories of this mysterious site, and why it attracts divers and researchers from all over the world.

Discovery of Yonaguni Monument

The Yonaguni Monument was discovered in 1986 by a local diver named Kihachiro Aratake, who was looking for a good place to observe hammerhead sharks. He noticed some strange shapes on the seabed, resembling steps, terraces, and platforms. He reported his finding to the authorities, and soon a team of scientists led by Masaaki Kimura, a marine geologist from the University of the Ryukyus, visited the site to conduct surveys and measurements. They concluded that the formation was man-made, and dated it to at least 10,000 years ago, before the end of the last ice age.

Kimura claimed that the Yonaguni Monument was part of a larger complex that extended for several kilometers along the coast, and that it was built by an ancient culture that had advanced technology and engineering skills. He also suggested that the site was related to the mythical continent of Mu, which was said to have existed in the Pacific Ocean before it sank due to a cataclysmic event.

Features of Yonaguni Monument

The Yonaguni Monument is located about 25 meters below the surface, and has a main face oriented south-southeast. It is composed of medium to very fine sandstones and mudstones of the Lower Miocene Yaeyama Group, which are believed to have been deposited about 20 million years ago. The formation has a length of about 50 meters, a width of about 20 meters, and a height of about 15 meters. It consists of several layers of flat surfaces, with sharp edges and right angles, that look like steps or terraces. Some of the surfaces have parallel grooves or ridges, which some interpret as carvings or symbols.

The Yonaguni Monument also has some features that resemble architectural elements, such as pillars, arches, walls, and rooms. Some of the most notable ones are:

• The Turtle: A large triangular-shaped rock that looks like a turtle’s shell, with a hole underneath that leads to a small chamber.

• The Stage: A rectangular platform with a staircase on one side and a stone column on the other. It has a triangular depression on the top, which some believe was used for rituals or ceremonies.

• The Triangle Pool: A sunken area with three sides and a flat bottom, filled with water. It has a stone block at the center, which some think was an altar or a pedestal.

• The Monument: A massive stone slab that stands upright, with a smaller slab leaning against it. It has a carved face on one side, which some compare to a human or an animal.

Theories of Yonaguni Monument

The origin and purpose of the Yonaguni Monument are still debated among scholars and enthusiasts. There are mainly two opposing views: the artificial theory and the natural theory.

The artificial theory holds that the Yonaguni Monument was created by human hands, using tools and techniques that were available at the time. The proponents of this theory point to the geometric shapes, the symmetrical patterns, and the artistic details of the formation, as well as the similarities with other megalithic structures around the world, such as the pyramids of Egypt, the stone circles of Stonehenge, and the statues of Easter Island. They also argue that the site was submerged due to the rise of sea level after the last ice age, which ended about 12,000 years ago.

The natural theory maintains that the Yonaguni Monument is a product of natural forces, such as tectonic movements, volcanic eruptions, and water erosion. The supporters of this theory point to the geological evidence, such as the sedimentary layers, the parallel joints, and the fractures of the rock, which indicate that the formation was shaped by the pressure and the weathering of the environment. They also argue that the site was never above water, and that the apparent signs of human intervention are either coincidental or the result of later modifications by divers or researchers.

Conclusion

The Yonaguni Monument is a fascinating and mysterious site that challenges our understanding of history and nature. Whether it is a man-made wonder or a natural wonder, it is a valuable source of information and inspiration for those who are interested in exploring the secrets of the past and the mysteries of the deep. If you want to see it for yourself, you can join one of the diving tours that operate from Yonaguni Island, and experience the beauty and the mystery of Japan’s underwater ruins.