UFO sighted by Japanese pilots in 1956

Summary

In January 1956, two U.S. Air Force officers stationed in Itazuke, Japan, reported an unidentified flying object. While on a mission, they observed a white object moving rapidly at high altitude, resembling a weather balloon. The pilot saw it for about 15 seconds, while the co-pilot observed it for 45 seconds. Both agreed it was not an aircraft and left no smoke or contrail.

The official evaluation concluded it was likely a balloon, though no record of any balloon was found in the area at that time. Discrepancies in altitude and direction estimates caused some confusion, but the report noted the object was moving opposite to the aircraft. Despite the lack of conclusive details, the case was classified and shared among intelligence units, reflecting official interest in UFO sightings during the Cold War.