That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer Poster

That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer 1975

★ 5.24 votes16 min📅 1975-03-21

"That is a UFO!"

Step into the curious world of *That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer (1975)*, a short but intriguing animated documentary from director Kazukiyo Shigeno that dives deep into the enduring mystery of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters.

Director: Kazukiyo Shigeno

Cast

Keaton Yamada
Keaton Yamada
Barney Hill (voice) / Kenneth Arnold (voice)
Chiyoko Kawashima
Chiyoko Kawashima
Betty Hill (voice)
Katsuji Mori
Katsuji Mori
Capt. Thomas F. Mantell (voice)
Osamu Kato
Osamu Kato
Capt. Lawrence Coyne (voice)
Keiichi Noda
Keiichi Noda
Narrator (voice)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer (1975)* about?

This animated short explores humanity's obsession with UFOs and alien encounters, blending real-life sighting reports with creative sci-fi storytelling. Presented as a documentary but animated in classic style, it invites viewers to question what might be watching us from above. Originally made to promote *Battlefield of the Stars*, it serves as both a cultural artifact and a whimsical meditation on the unknown.

Who directed *That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer*?

The film was directed by Kazukiyo Shigeno, a Japanese animator known for his work with Toei Animation. His direction blends documentary-like narration with playful animation to create a unique tone.

Who stars in *That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer*?

The film features the voices of Keaton Yamada, Chiyoko Kawashima, Katsuji Mori, Osamu Kato, and Keiichi Noda—classic voices from Japan's golden age of anime.

Is *That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer (1975)* worth watching?

With its retro animation style and intriguing premise, this short is a fascinating time capsule for anime and UFO enthusiasts. While it's not a feature-length film, its mix of curiosity and nostalgia makes it a rewarding watch for fans of vintage sci-fi. Its brevity and unique approach earn it points for originality.

How long is *That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer*?

The runtime is 16 minutes—short enough to enjoy in one sitting but packed with atmosphere and ideas.

🎥 Trailer

About That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer (1975) — Japan's short animated take on real-life UFO encounters

Step into the curious world of *That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer (1975)*, a short but intriguing animated documentary from director Kazukiyo Shigeno that dives deep into the enduring mystery of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters. Merging documentary-style storytelling with the imaginative flair of 1970s animation, this 16-minute film explores humanity's long-standing fascination with unidentified flying objects—from centuries-old folklore to modern accounts of abduction. With a blend of earnest inquiry and playful sci-fi charm, Shigeno and his team at Toei Animation craft a visual journey that blends skepticism with wonder. The film features the voices of legendary anime talent like Keaton Yamada and Katsuji Mori, grounding its otherworldly subject in familiar yet engaging character voices.

That's a UFO! The Flying Saucer isn't just a curiosity piece—it's a snapshot of a cultural moment when UFOs were surging in public imagination, fueled by both science fiction and real-life reports. The film's tone walks a fine line between playful animation and a semi-documentary approach, building an atmosphere of suspense without leaning into full-blown horror. Whether you're a UFO skeptic, a fan of vintage animation, or simply curious about the history of extraterrestrial lore, this short film offers a nostalgic and thought-provoking peek into how humans have looked to the skies—and to the unknown—for answers.