Recent images of luminous pillars in the night sky over Tottori, Japan, sparked a flurry of speculation on social media. Initially thought to be a cosmic or extraterrestrial event, the phenomenon, observed on May 11th, has been identified as “Isaribi Kochu,” or “fish-attracting light pillars.” This spectacle, rooted in traditional Japanese squid fishing, was captured by users Maashii and totoro8201.
Local fishermen use specialized lights, known as “Isaribi” or “fishing fires,” to attract squid. Under specific conditions, such as cooler overnight temperatures without precipitation, ice crystals form in the atmosphere and reflect these lights, creating the radiant vertical pillars visible from the shore.
This captivating display, while initially misunderstood, highlights the intersection of tradition, technology, and natural atmospheric phenomena. The Isaribi Kochu phenomenon showcases the ingenuity of human practices in harmony with nature, turning practical fishing techniques into a stunning visual event.
