The Yonaguni Monument is an underwater mystery off the coast of the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. The massive underwater rock formation is composed of sandstone and mudstone that dates back 20 million years, but whether the formation is man-made or natural has baffled scientists since it was found by a diver in 1986. According to a geologist at the University of Ryuku, a pyramid, castles, roads, monuments, a stadium and carvings of faces and animals in the stone can be identified within the structure – ‘evidence’ that the monument is what remains of the Lost Continent of Mu, the Japanese equivalent to Atlantis. Other geologists dispute this, saying that the formation is most likely natural.
The chain of islands was once known as the Ryuku Kingdom, independent from Japan and recognised by the Chinese Empire of the time. Back in the 17th century it was an important trading port, and the international influence is also tangible today – the local sake made with Thai-style long grain rice and distilled using methods also learned from the Kingdom of Siam.
The Yonaguni Monument dive site is close to shore on the south-eastern side of the island, a 40-minute trip around the coastline from the harbour, and while it’s a shallow dive – between five and 10 metres – the area is sometimes subject to strong currents.
Picture Credit : Google