Ningen: humanoid sea creatures of the Antarctic

Num7

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I just found out about this creature today, so I decided to post it! :)

Over the past few years, rumors have circulated in Japan about the existence of gigantic humanoid life-forms inhabiting the icy waters of the Antarctic.

antarctic_humanoid_2.jpg

Reportedly observed on multiple occasions by crew members of government-operated "whale research" ships, these so-called "Ningen" (lit. "humans") are said to be completely white in color with an estimated length of 20 to 30 meters. Eyewitnesses describe them as having a human-like shape, often with legs, arms, and even five-fingered hands. Sometimes they are described as having fins or a large mermaid-like tail instead of legs. The only visible facial features are the eyes and mouth.

According to one account, crew members on deck observed what they initially thought was a foreign submarine in the distance. When they approached, however, it became clear from the irregular shape of the thing that it was not man-made -- it was alive. The creature quickly disappeared under water.

For the most part, the existence of the Ningen is considered an urban legend. Much of the information about this rumored creature can be traced back to a series of posts on the 2channel forums, written by a person describing the experience of a friend employed on a government "whale research" vessel. (Read the full Japanese text of the original story that first appeared on a 2channel forum.)

antarctic_humanoid_6.jpg

The popular thread attracted the attention of many readers from outside the 2channel community, and the November 2007 issue of MU magazine, a Japanese publication devoted to the study of paranormal phenomena, featured an article about the Antarctic humanoids.

The article speculated on the possibility of unidentified creatures inhabiting the southern seas, and it included a Google Maps screenshot showing what looks like a Ningen in the South Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Namibia.

To date, no solid evidence has been presented to confirm the existence of the Ningen. The government is believed to have kept detailed records of the sightings, but they have released no information to the public and have reportedly instructed eyewitnesses to remain silent.

Two videos claiming to show Ningen under water have been posted on YouTube.

Ningen sightings seem to occur most frequently at night, making them all the more difficult to photograph. In still images, the sea cryptids mostly just look like icebergs, though it is said that their smooth, human-like skin can be seen when the photographs are enlarged.

antarctic_humanoid_4.jpg

In any case, no convincing photographs have been made public, either because they do not exist or because, as some argue, the government does not want to invite undue scrutiny and tarnish the scientific reputation of the whale research program.

http://pinktentacle.com/2010/01/ningen-humanoid-sea-creatures-of-the-antarctic/
 

Peregrini

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Interesting find.
My ambition in college was to get my PhD in Marine Biology. Life got in the way and that unfortunately didn't work out but I still love it and still follow it as much as I can today. While I am totally open to discoveries of new life forms in the ocean, there is no way we have found everything yet, these are highly questionable. The middle image IS an ice flow. Other images on the link are also. As for the videos, why is it whenever someone catches something that could be important they are using the crappiest camera available?
Ningen may be of a similar nature as the mermaids seen by early sailors and explorers that we now know to be manatees.
 

Num7

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You're right, the second picture is ice.

Those creatures are always filmed with crappy cameras, all the time. It's the same thing for the Big Foot. Shaky cams and weird pictures. I don't seriously believe this beast is the real deal, but it's still interesting to check it out.

I noticed there is not much stuff about it on the Internet, which may partly be why I never ever heard about it at all. Did you know about it?
 

Peregrini

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I have heard of several other "sea monsters" but your post brought this one to my attention.
I did find this link while searching for info on it.
http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2011/08/the-ningen-myth-monster-or-make-believe/
I'm not trying to belittle the Japanese but it does seem they "discover" a lot of mysterious creatures. The sea is a big part of their lifestyle and their fishing vessels spend a lot of time out so an increased amount of contact would be expected. Their historical records contain quite a few anomalies. Again, no disrespect intended.
 

Num7

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I agree that many creatures have been seen by Japanese people in and around Japan. I'm not including Godzilla among them though. :p

I guess they have more imagination than other people. Not sure if that makes that much sense.
 

Peregrini

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Numenorean7;
Here's a few more to check out if you want. This guy is in your neighborhood.
Cadborosaurus willsi or Caddy

Chessie... everyone needs their own Nessy

lusca... most likely a Giant Squid

and one REAL one the Sturgeon
 

Computerbug

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This creature seems really interesting if real, but I'm not sure. It's not easy to tell from such photographs, you'd think that if somebody found a creature such as this they'd try to take better pictures.
 

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