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Beneath the cerulean expanse of the East China Sea, off the southern coast of Yonaguni Island, lies a submerged enigma that has captivated divers and scholars alike. Discovered in 1986 by local diver Kihachiro Aratake, this vast underwater structure stretches approximately 250 meters east to west and 150 meters north to south, with a height of about 25 meters. (yonaguni.jp)
As one descends into the depths, the first sight is a series of broad terraces, their edges sharp and precise, reminiscent of ancient ziggurats or step pyramids. Massive stone formations rise from the seabed, their surfaces etched with what appear to be staircases, plazas, and pathways. The play of light filtering through the water casts shifting patterns on these structures, adding to their mystique.
The most striking feature is a monumental stone resembling a sphinx, its weathered visage gazing eternally into the abyss. Nearby, a pair of towering megaliths stand side by side, forming what some interpret as a ceremonial gateway. The precision of these formations has led to debates: are they the remnants of a lost civilization, or the result of natural geological processes?
Local folklore speaks of a once-thriving land, now swallowed by the sea, where gods and mortals coexisted. Some believe these submerged structures are the vestiges of that ancient realm, offering silent testimony to its existence.
The waters surrounding the site are teeming with marine life. Schools of vibrant fish weave through the stone corridors, while sea turtles glide gracefully over the terraces. The occasional hammerhead shark patrols the area, adding an element of thrill to the dive.
Despite numerous studies, the origins of the Yonaguni Monument remain shrouded in mystery. Whether a masterpiece of nature or a relic of human endeavor, it stands as a testament to the ocean's ability to preserve secrets from time immemorial.
For those who venture to this remote corner of the world, the dive offers not just a glimpse into the unknown, but a profound connection to the deep history that lies beneath the waves.