Japanese island completely disappears
A tiny island off the coast of northern Japan has disappeared.
The uninhabited islet, called Esanbe Hanakita Kojima, was believed to be located about 1,640 feet from a village called Sarufutsu, near Hokkaido.
It was originally believed to sit approximately 4½ feet above sea level and could be easily spotted from the northern area of Hokkaido.
But now, locals and scientists are struggling to find the islet on any navigation systems.
While the vanishing act is confusing to many, it has the potential to create major drama for Japanâs leaders.
A local fisherman first noticed the island was missing, after producing a picture book about hidden islands.
CNN reported that Hiroshi Shimizu had wanted to travel to Esanbe Hanakita Kojima for inspiration for his book when he couldnât find it.
The island is no longer visible from boats or the shore.
According to media outlet the Asahi Shimbun, Esanbe Hanakita Kojima was one of 158 uninhabited islands that were used by the Japanese government to mark the countryâs territorial waters.
Losing one of these could have lasting impacts on trade and security in international waters.
Little is known about the island, with the Japan Times reporting it was only âofficially surveyed and registered in 1987 by the Japan Coast Guard.â
âIt is not impossible that tiny islands get weathered by the elements,â a coast guard official told the Japan Times.
The disappearance of the island âmay affect Japanâs territorial waters a tiny bit,â she added, but only âif you conduct precision surveys.â
The disappearance comes just weeks after an entire Hawaiian island vanished beneath the oceanâs waves following Hurricane Walaka.
Source: Google News Japan | Netizen 24 Japan