Mysterious orb found on the beach confused Japan

A large spherical object shook Japan this week. The yellow metal sphere seen in the coastal city of Hamamatsu is still unclear, but it was claimed to be empty and pose no threat.

Japanese broadcaster NHK has shared footage of two officials looking at a rusty metal orb that appears to be about 1.5 meters wide on Enshuhama beach.

Authorities cordoned off the area after a local resident who noticed the unusual object on the shoreline alerted police. The object was also confirmed to be safe after X-ray examinations. Local authorities said the object will be removed soon.

Part of the reason the object is causing tension is that the US launched a suspected Chinese spy balloon earlier this month.

Japan expressed concern to China on Wednesday over suspicious surveillance balloons that have been seen in its airspace at least three times since 2019. However, Beijing denies all allegations of spying.

The defense ministers of the two countries met on Wednesday after four years. Both parties agreed to work on creating a hotline of communication this spring.