Nine pillars of light illuminated the night sky in Japan and turned it into a breathtaking spectacle.
Last week, the coastal town of Daisen in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, witnessed a stunning natural display.
A local named Masashi captured this phenomenon and posted it on social media. His picture quickly went viral, amassing over 12 million views.
Masashi, who works as a tourism producer, captioned his post, “Around 22:00 today, I discovered a streak of light above Mikaya Port in Daisen Town, Tottori.”
本日22時頃に鳥取大山町の御来屋港上空に光の筋を発見。 pic.twitter.com/c0Ce8OAEiK
— まーしー (@maashii_taiyo) May 11, 2024
Many people were amazed by the sight, sparking various speculations about its origins. Some thought it was an apocalyptic omen or an alien invasion.
However, the truth behind these light pillars is simple and remarkable. Known locally as “Isaribi Kochu” or ‘fish-attracting light pillars,’ this phenomenon combines natural and human-made elements.
Fishermen in Japan use lights on their boats, called “isaribi,” to lure fish to the surface, especially during squid fishing.
When overnight temperatures drop, ice crystals can form in the atmosphere above the boats. These crystals reflect the light, creating vertical pillars visible from the shore.
This event in Daisen shows how God’s creation can astonish us, turning something as mundane as fishing lights into a spectacle of divine artistry.
Masashi shared his excitement with Hint-pot, a local news outlet. He revealed that he has seen this phenomenon only three or four times since moving to Daisen from Tokyo nine years ago.
Another user reported seeing the same lights from Nariishi beach, just 12.7 km east of Daisen.
Japan Today reported on a similar sighting in 2015. They explained that this interplay of light and ice crystals can only occur under specific conditions.
【New!】幻想的な光の柱「漁火光柱」 下関で捉えた（画像） http://t.co/Lg2oNViQ5Z pic.twitter.com/bxTqdAZRM5
— ハフポスト日本版 / 会話を生み出す国際メディア (@HuffPostJapan) May 24, 2015
These amazing events remind us of the incredible creativity of God. They encourage us to look for God’s hand in our surroundings.
We can find reminders of His presence in the beauty of nature, the order of the universe, and the intricate details of life.
They invite us to think about the greatness of God, who turns even the simplest elements of His creation into displays of His glory.
As the Apostle Paul writes, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
Whether we are looking at a majestic mountain range, a tranquil ocean, or a stunning display of light pillars, we are witnessing the handiwork of a loving and powerful Creator.
As we see these signs, let us join with the Psalmist in saying, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm” (Psalm 33:8-9).