The enigma of the mysterious submerged 'city' in Japan

In the mid-1980s, a diver was exploring the Ryukyu Islands, off the southern coast of Japan. What he didn't expect was to stumble across one of the archaeological mysteries that still intrigue geologists today. Yonaguni is surrounded by theories about its origin: was it natural or was it built by humans? Its rectilinear and symmetrical shapes are what led some to believe the monument could be a megalith built at the end of the last ice age.

In fact, the rocky structure has become one of humanity's great underwater mysteries and has already been dubbed Japan's Atlantis. It also evokes the pyramids of Egypt, although the Japanese formation is believed to be even older. Experts estimate it to be over 10,000 years old: if confirmed, it would make it the oldest known architectural structure, alongside the Göbekli Tepe sanctuary in Turkey.

Is there scientific consensus on Yonaguni?

Some time after the discovery, a group of scientists led by Masaaki Kimura of Ryukyu University began investigating the mysterious submerged "city." According to the lead researcher, the natural structure was modified by humans. Given these claims, theories about the monument's origins vary: from the possibility that it could be part of the remains of the Jomon people, who inhabited prehistoric Japan, to pseudoarchaeological speculations that attribute it to a mythical civilization called Mu.

Other researchers claim that the site is reminiscent of natural formations in other corners of the world. In fact, on Yonaguni Island itself, there are natural structures that seem to follow the geological formation of the monument, as geoscientist Takayuki Ogata explains. Geologist Makoto Otsubo, also from the University of Ryukyu, states on the BBC that symmetrical formations can be found in nature. In fact, the general consensus is that the large structure is the result of natural processes and earthquakes, much like the basaltic columns of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Beyond speculation and lost civilizations, the Yonaguni monument attracts tourists from all over the world. The rock corridors, unusual shapes, and, of course, the mystery surrounding it make this discovery a fascinating place and a unique geological phenomenon on the planet.