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Japan's 'Atlantis' Revealed: Underwater Mystery Sparks Scientific Debate

Published January 19, 2026, 19:14
Japan's 'Atlantis' Revealed: Underwater Mystery Sparks Scientific Debate

A mysterious underwater formation near Yonaguni Island, Japan, known as the Yonaguni Monument, continues to spark intense debate within the scientific community. The formation, discovered in 1987, features geometric structures, such as steps, angles, and flat surfaces, reminiscent of the ruins of an ancient city. While some researchers argue that the formation is the result of human intervention and could be a remnant of an unknown civilization over 10,000 years old, the majority of geologists attribute its creation to natural geological processes. According to this view, the structures arose from layers of sandstone and mudstone, seismic activity, and marine erosion. The Yonaguni area is highly seismically active, which explains the cracks and 'stepped' surfaces. Similar formations have been recorded in other parts of the world, such as in Ireland and Tasmania, where nature has created impressive geometric structures. Recent research by Japanese geologists in 2024 found no archaeological evidence of human activity at the site, supporting the view that the formations continue to evolve through natural erosion. Despite the scientific explanations, the Yonaguni Monument remains a mystery that fuels the imagination and attracts divers and researchers.