Locals in Japan are confused and buzzing with rumors after a large metal sphere washed up on the shore. .
Not even the bomb squad or police who were sent to investigate can yet identify what it is.
However, it is hollow and not a threat, and that is what is known. Many believe it to be some sort of buoy.
The find in Hamamatsu, a coastal city, has been dubbed variously "Godzilla egg," "mooring buoy," and "from outer space" by curious locals.
On Enshuhama Beach, two officials were seen inspecting a rusted metal sphere that appeared to be about 1 point5m (4 point9ft) in diameter, according to Japanese television station NHK.
Locals had discovered it and reported it to authorities after spotting the peculiar object on the shore.
Authorities surrounded the area and performed X-ray tests, which revealed little more than a confirmation that the object was secure.
A runner on the beach told the local media that the commotion surprised him because the ball had been there for some time. NHK quoted him as saying, "I tried to push it, but it wouldn't budge.".
The object will soon be removed, according to local authorities.
This type of discovery might not ordinarily cause suspicion, but it comes at a time when there is increased concern over unidentified objects in the wake of the US shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon earlier this month.
On Wednesday, Japan separately expressed concern to China about what it claims are surveillance balloons that have been seen over its skies at least three times since 2019—an allegation it made for the first time last week. Claims of espionage are rejected by Beijing.
On Wednesday, the defense ministers of the two nations met for the first senior-level bilateral security dialogue in four years. The establishment of a communications hotline will happen this spring, both parties agreed.
