CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1

Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-
-
PARAPSYCHOLOGY IN JAPAN
Introduction
In 1992, the Japanese Society for Parapsychology celebrated its 25th anniversary with a three-
day conference in Tokyo. This society was founded by Professor Soji Otani, an academic
psychologist at the Japanese Defense Academy. It has been the mainstay of responsible
purupsychology in Japan, and has its intellectual roots both in traditional Japanese approaches
and in the American experimental approach of J.B Rhine. The latter influence is largely due to
the time spent by Otani in Rhine's lab in the mid 1960's, and more recently by Dr Shigeki
Hagio, an academic psychologist from Kagoshima Keizai University, in the southern part of
Japan. The Society has u small membership, with relatively few empirical contributions,
averaging about seven reseurch-related reports each year. Separate sections below will cover
this year's JSP convention, as well as research recently initiated at Sony.
Before considering recent research and researchers, some general comments on the social
context of parapsychology in Japan may he helpful. All are a mix of subjective impressions
from the author's visit. Japan is a very polite, socially structured society. Criticism is indirect,
inferred and often rather gradual. Confrontation or debate at conferences or in the media has
been quite rare although that is changing. Researchers acknowledge that they obtain more
direct and detailed criticism when they present their work internationally. This is unfortunate
for parapsychology, where critical feedback is necessary to avoid the many pitfalls of design,
methodology, analysis and interpretation that can so easily arise, especially with novice
researchers. Some Japanese research projects appear to suffer from lack of critical feedback. It
has often been said that when people do not like an idea they will ignore it rather than confront
it. There has been very little public criticism of parapsychology by skeptical groups or
academics, therefore, which probably is not a good thing. It means that the topic has been and
can he safely ignored by the academic/intellectual community. This is reflected in the dearth of
bona fide academicians currently involved and in the relative lack of student involvement. It is
difficult if not impossible to interest university senior staff and administrators. There is
insufficient precedent and universities are very conservative, and reluctant to take on new
ideas. "The nail that stands out gets hammered down" is a well-known proverb, frequently
cited in conversation. The lack of academic involvement and other public discussion means
that serious public assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of parapsychological research is
greatly reduced. This in turn further marginalises the subject for potential serious researchers.
An additional consequence is that the media themselves have no real guidelines for
distinguishing between competent and sloppy research, in their own country and elsewhere.
Many programs are made which describe research activities in China, Russia, North America
and Europe, which are very popular but have little quality control. Japanese psychics are
presented primarily through televised demonstrations which are often poorly controlled. This
situation is amenable to some change, however, as Japanese media are eager to avoid mistakes
or being regarded after the fact as foolish. But when they seek advice, they have little idca
1
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
1

02/06 /93 14.30
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
themselves of the degree of expertise of those they consult. This is not unique to Japanese
media, of course. A recent example of mediu conflict over psychic claims is mentioned in the
attached article by James McClenon,
Japanese society as a whole is very open to parapsychology and to intelligent research in such
areas. Survey figures show that only 10% of Japanese claim religious belief, yet 80%% claim to
practice Buddhism and 80% claim to practice Shinto. Most Japanese actively practice both,
and frequently engage in rituals of various sorts which imply direct interaction herween their
own mental activities and the surrounding environment, including interaction with spirits.
Supplicatory prayer is common, even by those who would claim that it's only a placebo, or that
they are engaging in a social act to show their peers how dedicated they are towards various
goals. The idea of using modern tools to explore ancient claims is acceptable to most, because
Japanese society emphasiscs the integration of the old with the new in so many ways. Current
imerest in exploring psychic powers seems currently to focus on China and Russia/Siberia.
generally held by academics to be the two main ancient sources of Japanese spiritual tradition.
Siberia is less frequently acknowledged by the public as a whole, but evidence of Siberian
shamanism as well as Indochinese shamanism (via Okinawa) can be seen in the forms of Shinto.
practices in less developed regions (occasionally referred to as Mountain Shinto or "mountain
religion". Included are various mediumistic and healing practices, as well as ideas of the
concentration of mental energy later incorporated in the mountain-based Ninja training centres
and in the Chinese tradition of Qi.
As a result of various factors including the above, serious psychical research in Japan tends to
be practised by a handful of academics, by a few members of the medical community, and by
individuals or small groups within industry. The most impressive example of the latter are the
research facilities at the Sony Research Center in Yokohama.
Parapsychology Research at Sony
Professor Soji Otani and the author visited the Sony Research Center in August, 1992, where
there are two laboratories involved in parapsychological research. Our hosts were three
electrical engineers; Dr Toshiro Terauchi, Senior Manager of the ESPER Laboratory; Dr
Yoichiro Sako, Representative of the ESPER Laboratory; and Dr Mitsuru Takashima,
Assistant Manager of the Pulsegraph Laboratory. Although all three spoke English, Dr
Terauchi served as our primary translator. We were given a brief history and introduction to
the rescarch of the two labs.
Seven years earlier, Mr Ibuka, Honorary Chairman of Sony Corporation, established a lab with
Dr Takashima, to explore the mind-body aspects of oriental medicine. After three years the
Pulsegraph Lab was formed, to examine Eastern approaches through the tools of Western
medicine. This has involved working with Chinese Qigong practitioners, primarily Mt
Nagoya who has joined them. They study interactions between healers and non-clinical
volunteers, focussing on the physiology of both healer and client. Measures are taken while the
healer becomes relaxed and while the healer gives and receives energy. These measures so far
have been taken on people in the same room; no remote influence studies as yet. They intend
2
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
-

02/06 83 11:31
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
to look at differences in healers, both Japanese and Chinesec, as well as differences in healing
environments. Although they employ a variety of measures including EEG, body temperature
and standard plethysmography, their muin innovation so far is the development of the
pulsegraph, an instrument for measuring pressure in the arteries at three adjacent locations,
primarily in the left and right wrists. The device places pressure on the artery at three adjacent
sites, varying the amount of pressure from hard to merely "floating". "This gives a total of 12
readouts, six from each hand, and enables assessment of vasomotor activity, heart rate, heart
beat amplitude, blood flow, viscosity, vessel elasticity and heart valve movement. Professor
Otani and I both went through this procedure and our polygraph records were examined
afterwards by Mr Nagoya. He examined the raw wave forms themselves as well as the various
digitised readings provided, focussing on various patterns. He then gave a description both of
the cardiovascular health of the individual, plus a character reading based on an assessment of
what the body-mind interaction was likely to be, e.g. I'm a nice person because my body isn't
giving my viscera a hard time. This procedure seemed to represent their main accomplishment
so far, and they felt that they had devised a scientifically solid procedure for measuring
processes suggested by Eastern technique. The author has since learned that Chinesee
practitioners routinely put three fingers on each pulse for several minutes, first one then the
other, and that this constitutes a major medical observation for them. The Pulsegraph Lab,
then, had been primarily a lab for development of psychophysiological measurements so far,
and their research was only gradually turning toward procedures that would enable
measurement of remote influence within a medical context.
On the other hand, the ESPER Lab, less than a year old at the time, was to be dedicated to more
directly parapsychological procedures. Its origins had apparently come from a major
reassessment of Sony priorities for the 21st century by the R and D Corporate Planning Group.
In debating between "outer space" and "inner space" they had selected inner space as less
expensive and as less likely to be done better in Western society. A Human Science Working
Group had identified four arcas of interest: brain sciences, social science, highly creative
individuals (artists and producers of impressive works), and special mental abilities, including
psi and Qigong practice. They had decided to emphasise China, as country of origin, and
through Mr Ibuka and the Chinese government, Sony representatives were allowed to meet
Qigong practitioners. They were impressed and reported to the Chairman of Sony, Mr Morita,
who set up the ESPER lab in response. One of the first projects was to follow up on some
demonstrations filmed in China by TVS of children who can apparently read hidden characters.
A joint project was being designed with media people such that part of the incentive for
participants would be to appear on TV. Their tests were not well described, and sounded
somewhat informal, so we could not assess how likely the results are to be due to some sort of
trickery by the children. Characters from bouks as well as those written on paper were used.
They estimate that at present they had worked with over 100 children, with one in ten doing
well, and some showing stable abilities. In conversation, they seemed reluctant to consider the
possibility that some or all of their successful participants might just be skilled tricksters, but
seemed open to the idea of safeguarding against external criticism. Given the general attitudes
toward actual public criticism, it is hard to say how seriously they took this possibility. In
general, they seemed more interested in presenting their work rather than discussing it. Their
stated general goals for the ESPER Laboratory are to conduct research with children and adults,
3
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
-
-
-
.

02/06 93 14:33
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
to verify the existence of such special skills, developing theory, systems and applications. In
general the Pulsegraph Lab research seems more advanced and on a solid basis; the ESPER
research seems in its early stages and we could not get a good feel for how well it was currently
being conducted. All three researchers seemed intelligent and interested in doing good science.
We only saw the Pulsegraph Lab, and its facilities seemed quite adequate for the job. We were
told that in all there were ten individuals employed in the two labs combined. Sony does seem
to have a commitment to rescarch in this area with support at the highest administrative levels.
THE JAPANESE SOCIETY FOR PARAPSYCHOLOGY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The annual meeting of the IPS normally lasts for two days but was extended for a third day so
that its one-day summer tutorial session could be combined. Attendance was approximately 25
people, all male save for a student. a spouse and one of the demonstrators. Some attendees
were researchers in corporations such as NEC. Fujitsu, Hitachi and IBM, who were able to do
some small amount of research but only in their spare time, generally something involving
RNG's and computers. Attached are cards from some of the attendees, plus the three Sony
researchers who did not attend. A few of the presenters seem well worth further interaction,
and condensed versions of their papers are enclosed.
Professor Soji Otani (address in PA Directory) is the leading figure in the Society. Now retired
from the Defense Academy, he no longer conducts research but remains active in writing,
editing and administration. He has many contacts with academia, industry (including Sony)
and the major media, especially television. Attached is a paper by him summarising the
Society's research activities over the years.
Dr Masayuki Hirafuji is a young cognitive psychologist with the National Agriculture
Research Center, in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He presented two
papers, one a connectionist model of ESP, the other an attempted derivation of a precognition
model. Ilis current job restricts him to uxxlel construction with no empirical testing, although
he would in principle be quite happy to do both. He seems very articulate and has some
working knowledge of parapsychology.
Mr Hideyuki Kokubo is a young computer specialist with Sanseido, a publishing company.
He gave a paper using signal detection theory in a novel application, but also finds that he is
constrained to model construction rather than empirical testing.
Professor Shigeki Hagio, a psychologist at Kagoshima-Keizai University, is now the most
active experimentalist and follows the classical Rhinean strategies of psi testing. Enclosed are
brief descriptions of several recent studies, involving the local student populations. He has
spent time in the States as well as in Britain, occasionally attends PA conferences and is a PA
associate member. He is fairly knowledgeable about modern parapsychological methods. His
university is in the southern part of Japan.
-. - - -
4
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
1
1
1
i

02/00 56 11:51
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
-
Drs Toshiaki Imaizumi and Osamu Imada are young psychiatrists in Kachi Hospital, whose
paper on beliefs about the nature of spontaneous cases is enclosed. They seemed intelligent
and with knowledge of research design and parapsychology.
Dr Akiro Ouda is a retired specialist in Buddhist philosophy, who is a PA member and has
been active in the Society from the beginning.
Others presented on the programme as well, but were less involved in research-related topics.
SUMMARY
The researchers named above seem responsible and good starting places for exploring serious
Japanese parapsychology. There is much popular interest in Japan and many groups who blend
claims of special mental power and spiritual practice. Some of these have dubious reputations,
within the parapsychological community as well as the public. Most younger Japanese can use
English adequately. Older Japanese can read it but often have trouble with spoken English.
Japan is a country with considerable potential for parapsychology, but they need more
information about Western techniques for assessment. In turn their culture has many practices
which should be explored more systematically and may contribute substantially to our
understanding.
SG11
1 June 1993
5
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
-

02/06 86 11:30
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
General Review of Research in JSPr
Soji Ohtani
Academic research in parapsychology in Jupun started after World War II, beginning
with the introduction of the works of Parapsycholoby Laboratory, Duke University directed
by Dr.J.D.Rhine.
A thesis written by Ohtani was published in the Journal of Parapsychology in 1955.
Research in Japan has been strongly influenced by the Laboratory since then, In 1963,
" Parapsychology Studying Group" was established, and they presented their research in the
.
Japanese Society tor Psychology and the Japanese Society for Applied Psychology. In 1967,
the first convention of the Group was held, followed by the establishment of " the Japanese
Society for Parapsychology" . This offered researchers the opportunities to exchange
information and to present their sophisticated research annually.
More than 180 researches have been presented at the Annual Convention. As for those
on ESP. we have the one on the relationship with some psychological tests(Ohtani, Nomura,
Takeshima), the ones on the relationship with physiological variables(Ohtani, Osmila,
Matsumae, Nagashima, Sugistuta, Kusunoki, Saito, Fukuda), the ones on the relationship
with environmental condition(Ohtnai, Matsuda, Kurihara, Yamaguchi, Ito), the ones on the
relationship with imagery(Hayase).
As for those on PK, we have the ones using new materials(Takahashi), the ones on
effects to living organisms(Ohtani, Haruki), the ones on metal bending with gifted
subjects(Ohrani, Kasahara, Kovri, Ro).
We have an international research on remote viewing(Ohtani, Minakami, Dean). Also,
we have many researches on spontaneous cases(Ohtant, Kurihara, Watanabe, Koori, Hagio,
Wada).
As for theoretical research, we have the one on precognition concerned with the time
issuc(Kanazawa).Some of us have tried to establish models on the process of ESP(Kokubo,
Hirafuji, Sakuraf).
Desides, we have the one on the relationship between the structure of call and the
scores(Knide), the ones on the credibility of ESP targets(Kuroda, Hagio), the one with
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1

1
02/05 95 14'30
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
some manipulation of ESP targets([lagio), the ones on the analysis of the data(Maruyama).
At the same time we have some researches related to the concerning fields: the
surveys on NDE(Becker), the one on the relationship between creativity and ESP(Onda), the
one on Kirlian photographs(Fujita).
We have two long-lasting researches: the one is about the theory on precognition
(Kanazawa), and the other is about psi occuring around older mental patients(Nagashima),
We have received no direct and decisive criticism. I think it necessary for us to
publish our rescaches in many ways and, exposed to constructive criticism, improve them.
1
!
:
i
SG1B
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1

CA 4A/20
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
Connectionist Model of ESP
Masayuki Hirafuji
1 the Amount of Information Transmitted with ESP
In an ESP experiment using targets whose hit rate is 1/2, the amount of information
transmitted in a trial is shown in the formula in the next page.
At least 1/LESP times of trials are needed to get 1 bit of information(shown in Fig.1).
This means we can get a significant result with a large number of trials evro il the hit
rate is close to the chanus level. The amount of information transmitted in a trial in a
'trial is quite small, as seen from the fact that most ESP experiments with significant
results have a large number of trials. That is, the capacity of ESP is quite small.
Based on the idea that this is because signals of ESP occure at a level weaker than
ouises, I establish my model of ESP.
2 ESP and the Process of Cognition
As seen in the Law of Waver, normal sences, such as sight, auditory sense, sense of
touch, produce relatively simple responses against stimuli. On the other hand, ESP
produces rather complexed responses which soom deeply related to the subjects' process of
cognition, as seen in sheep-and-goat and prize effect. If ESP is closely related to the
process, we need a model including it to understand ESP.
I combined the model of cognition and a model in which information is extracted from
weak ESP signai below the noise level, and established an . ESP model(shown in Fig.2).
3 Neural Network
Neural network is a model which consists of combined models of nerve cells whose
functions are simplified.
Because of the differences among the simplification or the combination, several
kinds of neural networks have been proposed. The most basic functions related to
cognition, such as recognition, memory, association, Icarning, can be expressed with
combination of the network
Judging from the fact that BP model resembles the actual brain function so much, the
model in which information is coded or decoded by combining neural networks can be
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
-

02705 93 14 38
-
Approved For Release 2000/08/15: CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
-4
applied to brains if the transmission with signals werker than noise is possible.
4 ESP Signal Detective Theory
We have no idea which organ senses ESP signal as we don't know what carries ESP
sigoale, But they must be transmitted into neural Impulses, if we put it that we have a
certain organ which senses them. I presume that ESP signal is micro electrical charge in
neural impulses.
Can human beings transmit concepts with electromagnetic waves, as presumed that ESP
is a kind of electromagnetic wave and nerve cells are antennas?
-
It is true that there are some parts in our brains and cells which are electrically
charged, and these parts certainly radiate electromagnetic waves. It doesn't matter that
the amount of the radiated energy is small. The point is that the waves have complicated
phase differences. Because the phases change timewise and spauswise in a complicated
manner, they dismiss each other so that we can't detect them. Therefore, a simple
biological model can't stand.
In the connectionist model of ESP, I regard the cach electrically-charged part as
the source and the receiver of electromagnetic waves. That is, each part has its own
frequency and phase simultaneously. This resembles a huge number of transmission
machines functioning without confusion, but in the model the transmitted information is
always homogeneous and can be controled intentionally.
Theoretically, it is possible to transmit information even in a poor system, only if
the information is coded in a proper way which fits the feature of the system. Thus, ESP
can transmit information, even if the stoval is quite weak, once we have proper coding
method. The process is expressed by the Formula (1) to (6).
5 Coding in Neural Network
When an agent have a target in his mind, the concerned neuron is activated. By
association, other neurons concerned with what is related to the target are activated
consequently. Thus the brain establishes the pattern to send the information. This
process biases the information timewise and spacewise.
The percipient follow the same process to the opposed direction. The more decoding
he doesin his neural networks, the less noise aud more accurate information he can get.
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
-
..

Varvụ vụ
11:00
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
This process is actually much more complexed, as it is practiced in the unconscious
level, but I would like to focus on ESP signal which is weaker than noise, by simplifying
the process(Fig.9 and 10).
6 Result of Simulation
I practiced an experiment using a computer, with ESP cards as targets. The hit rate
shown in Fig.12 indicates that ESP is competent enough to transmit information and that
the association memory has an effect to reduce noises. This leads to a hypothesis that
even weak ESP signals can transmit information, as an actual brain has an immense number
of neurons and a huge amount of association memory is involved in the process.
7 Psi-Missing and Sheep-and-Goat Effect
When coded information has closely related association memory, the memory becomes a
large noise, thus causing inevitable pai-missing(shown in Fig.12). When the association
memory is the denial of ESP, pri-missing occures even if the ESP signal is received.
This is sheep-and-goat effect.
8 Displacement Effect
When the change of the amount of the stored memory is smaller than that of the
stored noise, displacement effect is likely to occure(Look at Fig.6).
9 Intensity Probability Theory of Fal
According to the model established by Mr. Kokubo, the intensity probability of psi
is certain figure, 0.01, regardless of the bit rate itself. I would like to prove this
by using the connectionist model. I have got the Formula (11), which is just equall to
the Formula (7), the formula of Mr. Kokubo's model(Look at Formmila (7) to (11)).
Possibility of Precegnition as & Quantun Effort
Mesayuk! Miraris
National Agriculture Research Center>
Ministry of Agriculture. Forsetry and Fisheries.
Toutube 305, Japan
Abacreet
Connectionist modele for ESP is proposed br
Hírafuji (1808.1990) ta account for stochastic
nature of ESP. sheep gout effects mod poi-
missing without displacement effects. la for
displacement effects and precognition. comummi-
cation ciemnola voroso tim ere. indiscerosble.
Energy stetem of mural networks in the causes-
ticoist modela bave mony local ninimeus of spe-
cific mercy. there sowe of the local sinim
potato correspond to meories or state of con-
scionmete. If difference of the epeffic ener-
z batmoms the local minimum points is wery
smil. time indsterminecy when a statu corte"
spondine to a. target is recognized becomes
large. Brand on this quantim effect, & promus;
nitfon model is proposed.
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1

varv
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
ABSTRACT ( COLTOTAL 1
furbeRal wudy on senepeanes os spontaneous case of precognition
Techiaki Imaisunt. M.D. , driey Inada, M.D. ( Caprumine of psychiatry, Kacht Hogputa] }
...
the Authors investigated acceptable type and frequency Af spontaneous prasognitive conen, Fatale college students
( N = 192, aged 10 - 21 yr. ) watusta Jo ficticiows stories of spontaneous prarmyynition, which conmiest of 10 typen of
cum epizoda x 3 grade of frequency, i.d. unce, bvice or maverzi time / several years. interprecation of atory was
alagaltled into + categories { Ciethus, protocic gympen, accounta coincidence and true est ). On each story, Subject
asked to carimre each Lotarpretation by giving omeen of probability ( campwi 0-100%, by 5# step ) under the conduitlion
that the man of 4 acure should be 100%. In available 748 subjacza, mas value of 120 cotimated scores of probability
( 10 typak ] frequency X 4 interpretation ) were should in table 1.
Among 4 interpretations, alternative hypothesis of trus 657 ( 374, mmen value of 30 cell ) was accidental
sainetdance ( 35% ), Paulmerced probability or fiction | 19% ) and psychocis ( 9% ) were relatively low. As frequency
of episode increased, probability of fletien and paychoses incroend, while that or accidental coinmadance decreased.
Probability of trim PAT remarkably stepped up in p and J. down an C and af as the frequency augresmed. type c episoda,
appearance of lifeleng garting nochar nor hy daath bed in har gon's dream, in widespread and impressive episode, so ic
marked highest probability of true BST. Type G episode, avoidance of lethal aceinom: due to Sudden illness, ic almost
windlar co type C epizoda in popularity and covality. It didn't stow high scores of true PSI against the author's
....
TWEE 1 : Mon walu of estimated care of probability
Frequency L
Frequency 2
I
FECTICH
70
Intarpcotation
Interpretatich
FFAV
FPAV
FPAV
I
2
3
1
2 3
1
2
3
1
2 3
10 16 35 37
25 14 JL JU
30 15 22 34
10 25 30
10 14 19
35 31 21
37 30 34
11
7 17 43
18 10 20 42
21 12 24 44
13 10 21
7 10 11
37 29 24
4$ 49 44
C
8
5 LY
6 20 83
1 9 14 58
R 11 10
$
6
19 50 14
68 63 50
0
1L
47 37
17
9 4 33
27 14 27 32
12 17 27
S
9
14
47 41 57
37 33 32
B
7 4 0G 23
11
4 62 Zł
24
৳
7 11 24
4
1
6
66 62 45
23 23 25
P
8 44 30
23
17
7 34 42
24 9 23 44
12 17 24
5
7
4
42 34
11 12 14
H
10
6 40
44
5 33 10
27 12 24 37
10 18 27
a
y 12
40 33 24
44 40 37
J
10
GA 27
14 7 46 33
19 10 36 35
10 14
S
7 10
27 33 35
-
!
1
1
1
I
Thirty fictitious stories of spontaneout precognition, which consist of 10 types of epicode ( AJ )X 3 grade of
Cowipauray { 1-3 ), wera estimated by 197 female college studertts.
Dach cell indicated mean value of pmhability conzen
( * ) Cor 4 intasprecation i uw left half uf columns, In4 Bamy data sat rearranged for 3 grade of frequency in the
--
:
1
-
1
---
1
:
-
.. .
2
1 / cwural yz.
3- / amaral Yra
24 11 27 38
C
44 37 27
30 32 3#
E.T
5 42 41
23 11 34 32
27 15 29
29
37 18 19 31
2 27 32
11 15 18
34 29 19
32 29 31
·
frcqurity
.
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1

V
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
life', the top figure, were 24 cases. 23.3 %, followed by 21
casas, 20.4 %, of 'hunch and impression'. The third figure was
'seeing apparition or psychic phenomena related to the dead or
dying person, ' having 14 cases, '13.6 %.
An Experimental ESP Study in the N-N Associative Process: To
-
-- --
demonstrate the psi effect in human associative procese, I first
selected 100 stimulus noun words. In four psychologiy classes,
289 students in all, [ read each of them while the students
wrote down a noun word associated with it in their minds in
their record sheets. Thus, I completed tables of response words
to cach stimulus word. From each table I extracted four response
words low and almost even in the association value to each
other. My experimental plan for psi is to use these words in an
ESP-association test situation.
.--
-
-
.........
.-
An ESP Experiment In A Mountain-Top
.
Shigeki Hagio
Kagoshima-Keizai University
JAPAN
ABSTRACT
Two different sets of Est experiment in a mountain-top
situation were accomplished by the associate student members of
KPC (Kagoshima Keizai University Parapsychology Club) and Hagio.
The subjects used a deck of Zener cards and Perceptron, a
portable-type machine sold for testing ESP. Each of two
experiments was accompnied by a laboratory-room ESP testing as a
control. In Experiment 1, in the Zener Card series five subjects
completed 20 runs yielding the deviation +16 in the Mountain-top
condition on the one hand, and -7 in the Control condition on
the other hand, the difference being marginal for statistical
significance. (CR=1.79, P =. 08) In Experiment 2, in the
Perceptron series nine subjects completed 36 tune giving a score
with 36 of extra chance, significant at .01 level, its
difference from the Control series being significant (P =. 05) .
Our results were supportive to the hypothesis that mountain-tops
often provided with a proper condition for the manifestation of
psi.
-
1
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
:
1

Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
J
My Researches on Psi:
Stability of ESP Scores; A Behavior ESP Target; Survey-Interview
Approach to Spontaneous Psi; Psi in the Associative Process
KAGOSHIMA-KEIZAI UNIVERSITY
SHIGEKI HAGIO
Stability of ESP Scores: 77 students among others completed four
series of card ESP test conducted work by week in a college
psychology class, 1979. Each series test consisted of 4 runs.
Their overall scores were positive in a significant level
(> =. 05) . Out of six correlative coefficients among the four
serios one was positively significant(P =. 05) and another was
negatively so(P =. 05), while the other four coefficients had
positive yet small values. The data also was considered from
another point of view -- "stability of the score in each
for streaking
table 5
subject". The number of those who had a score above MCE (20) in autetind
every series were 6, that is much more than the theoretical one they
value 3.1, but insignificant(CR=1.0).
An Experiment with Behavior ESP Targets: In an attempt to use
human behaviors as an ESP target instead of the card figures, I
selected four human actions:standing, writing, lying and
walking. An experimental assistant played one randomly-selected
behavior for 60 seconds for each trial in one room that the
subject guessed in another room. Each of the four experimental
subjects completed 120 trials and he also had the Zenez-card
series, 150 trials. One subject obtained a significant positive
score(P =. 05) in the behavior series though the overall results
of the behavior series was not different from that of the card
serios statistically.
A Survey-Interview Approach to Spontancous Pei Experiencce: Out of
763 students of the 1988 and 1989 college psychology classes who
answered questionnaire items on their spotaneous psi
experiences, 83 students were interviewed to talk about their
experiences in detail, they told 103 srories of their own
experiences in all. 'Correspondence between a dream and real
-
..
-
-
-
-1-
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1

. Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
ALL-OR-NONE MODELS AND SIGNAL DETECTIVITY THEORY
1
KOKUBO, Hideyuki
August 27. 1992
| published the intensity probability theory as the basic research for the
the study of the statistic experiment at 19th annual convention of the Japanese
Society for Parapsychology, 1986. Some interesting studies have been done since
the theory was presented.
In the theory. I made a new all-or-none model, often called Kokubo's mode !.
which vas a 2-parameter model. I made it for the explanation of observable four
events following that:
hit by psi,
miss by; pai.
hit by chance, miss by chance.
My model's parametaras are i and m. Parameter-i is a probability that pai
is activated in a trial. Parameter-m is a probability of miss on condition that
psi is activated. We can assume a subject guesses at randus if his psi is not
activated ..
Z-parameter-model is very useful for analyzing statistic data. But 1 expand
-ed my research field before long because ! could find that we could explain
those four events by use of another theory, SDT(the Signal Detectivity Theory).
Some important results so far
(1) A ROLE OF ALL-OR-NONE MODELS
.
-
Old all-or-none models, 1-parameter models, can show us better condi-
tions for the detection of psi in statistic experiments.
(2) ESTIMATION OF ESP DATA
In ESP tests, values of [, which means subject's psi talent. nearly
oqual 0,01 on the condition that the prior probability Is from 1/2 to 1/52.
(This result is rediscovered. )
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
.

Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
.
(3) ESTIMATION OF PK DATA
Haga, H. (1989) confirmed the central limit theorem for the value of {
in a PK test with dice, and confirmed two important assumptions presented by
Kokubo (1987). Then Haga found that i noarly equaled 0, 01 as came as in ESP tests.
From above results. Haga has thought that .it is possible to resiyze the degital
PK comunication. I agree with bim.
(4) ADVANCED METHOD
We can evaluate values of i and m with the Plural Mode Method consider
. - ed by Kokubo(1987, 1988). And maybe vo be able to estimate the Observational
Theories. Generally, we can obtain more information from experiments by using
2-parameter models than I-parameter models.
(5) ROC CURVE OP BSP DATA
On the SDT, Sakurai. E. (1987) re-analyzed Pearce-Pratt's experiment and
evaluated a value of d' as 0. 45. And he successed to draw a BOC curve of it
(1988). But, his obtained result also can be fit the ROC curve introduced from
All-or-none models in parapsychology. I can not select one, because the value of
d' is very small.
(6) PARADOX OF CONFIDENTIAL CALL
In a theoretical study .for-the SDT .. lokubo(1989) shew the relation
between the confidential call and the scoring ratio or the CR in the Yes-No
test. The obtained results suggested that we could not expect good experimental
results if we analyzed only vory-high-confidential calls. And they suggested
that we had better plan to let subjects feel easy to say "high confidence'
frequently.
(7) A STRANGE ASSUMPTION
In amother theoretical study, Yokubn(1989) successed to find a equation
to explain that the value of i wes constant with the SDT. But, a very strange
assumption was essential for introducing the equation. In the assumption. the
mental scale has a unit like a quantum of mental energy.
-.
.
.
.
·
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1

-
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
-
-
PARAPSYCHOLOGY IN JAPAN
By James McClenon
The Japanese Society for Parapsy-
chology will celebrate its 25th anniver-
sary in 1990. The society meets month-
ty at Tokyo University and sponsors an
annual convention each December. Al-
though moattdly meetings attract less
than a dozen members, this group
might be considered a laauch of the
Parapsychological Association, since its
goals and orientations are equivalent.
Members conduct original research
and critically evaluate each other's ef-
forts. Koten Nagashima has conducted
psi experiments for 10 years, using pa-
tients from his geriatric psychiatry
practice as participants. He measures
pulse rates and brain functions within
the context of the card guessing and
dice predicting experiments. Although
his annual results tend to be ambiguous
regarding proof of psychic effects, the
society hopes an analysis of the entire
10-year series will generate clearer con-
clusions. In 1987, Yoshiichi Ro pro-
sented a paper, "Processes of Deforma-
tion in Spoon-Bending Phenomena."
Hiroyuki Sakurai described a method
for applying signal detection theory to
psi research. Hideyuki Kokubo de-
serihed "A New Psi Test." Hiroyuki
Sakurai presented a paper "Applica-
tion of Signal Detection Theory to Psi
Research." Soji Otani spoke "On the
Effect of External Stimulus to ESP
Score," Koten Nagashima presented at
paper "On ERG and PK" and Tokiki
Wada presented "Comparison of Pri
Experience Surveys Between Japan and
England." Japanese theorists are par-
ticularly interested in observational the-
orics. For example, Hideyuki Kokubo
delivered a paper at the 1988 conven-
tion entitled "On an Experimental
Method to Evaluate Observational
Theories," During that same year
Masayuki Hirafuji presented a paper
"ESP Model by Neural Net." and
Koten Nagoshima presented "On the
Pui Ability of the Psychopath."
Professor Suji Otani, of the National
Defense Academy, is a guiding influ-
once on the wooiety. In 1987, he pre-
semted the convention Presidentiul Ad.
dress entitled "The Problem of Ch'i in
Parapsychology." Otani has observed
various Chineso chi gong masters who
visited Japan. Chi (ki in Japanese)
is thought to be the universal life en
ergy that permeates the universe. Chi-
gony masters (ki-ko In Japaneso)
claim to be adept at controlling this
energy. Ki may have a xlightly differ-
ent meaning in Japanese than chi in
Chinese. This variation is derived from
both cultural and translation differ-
ences. In Japanese, ki has diverse
meanings: denki means electricity (den
means thunder) and tenki means
weather (ton means heaven). Some-
times ki, by itself, means "energy."
Scientifically, it is difficult to define
exactly what ki is. In Chinese, chi is
sometimes translated into English ax
"gas" even though it is thought to be
u form of energy. Although chi-gong
masters are part of the medical estab-
lishment in some Chinese hospitala,
only a few such practitioners cure their
clients using this methodology in Japan.
Professor Otani has conducted vari-
ous forins of psychical research which
have not been published. A number of
years ago, he conducted, a survey of
Japanese war widow's experiences. He
polled 100 widows in each prefecture
of Japan, finding that many report-
ed apparitional experiences coinriding
with their husbands' deaths during
World War II. About one-third of the
2,200 questionnaires were returned. Al-
though his analysis is still incomplete,
Otani is categorizing the types, cloth-
ing, actions and patterns in the impres-
sions, as well as times of impression ver-
sus time of Incident. Although no case
reveals perfect correspondence between
actual events and the widow's impres-
sions, some cases reveal a high degree
of coincidence. In a few cases, the hus-
hand, thought to be dead, returned
safely. Otani has noted a wide diversity
in the manner that the widows inter-
pret their experiences. Some regard the.
apparitional event as extremely abnor-
mal while others clasaify their experi-
ence as ordinary.
About 15 years ago, Otani conducted
an ESP card test with participants in
a submarine, producing experimental
results which have not been published.
Three conditions were compared: a
submerged sub, a surfaced sub and o
land-based situation, Ife found little
difference between the floating sub and
iand target, but the submerged laryel
generated significantly lower ESP
scores. Otani notes that there may be
other variables, such as distance and
time. which might have produced this
differential effect, He draws no conclu-
sions from this data,
Tosio Kasahara has been active
translating parapsychological works
from English into Japanese and getting
edited volumes published. Ife revendy
completed the translation of Haralds
son's (1987) Modern Miracles and
Stevenson's (1987) Children Who Re-
member Previous Lives. His edited val-
wine Sui No Senjo: Choshinrigakn Zen-
shi (The Battlefield of Psi: History of
All the Debates in Parapsychology);
way published by Heibonsha Limited in
1987. Kasahara is presently editing and
translating a collection of articles for a
book entitled Turaenitwa ('The Elu-
siveness Problem) to be printed by
Shunju sha Publishers,
A few years ago, Dr. Kasahara vis-,
Hed Scoul, Korea, to investigate a
Christian psychic surgeon, Mrs. Kim.
Mrs. Kim seemed to aid patients by
ripping out their cancerous growths
with her bare hands, Kawahara return-
ed from Korea with a videotape sup-
plied by Mrs. Kim's organization (my
Korean translator referred w it as the
"Secing-Hearing-Feeling Church"), as
woll as tapes produced by himself dur-
ing his own visit. From the videotape
supplied by her organization, it ap-
pears that Mrs. Kim makes incisions
into some of her patient's bodies, in a
manner that would seemingly (normal-
ly) cause harm Cancerous growths are
sometimes literally (apparently) torn
Dr. MeClenon is in the Department of.
Social Sciences at Elizabeth City Stair ITni-
versity in North Carolina.
July-August, 1961
13
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1

. Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
out of patients' bodies, Although the
medical value of her interventions
could not be established by Kasahara's
investigation, her organization claims
that her treatments arc highly effec-
tiva. The organization's videotape
shows cases in which patients' progress
toward complete recovery is document-
ed over time. Kasahara's private video-
tape does not show Mrs. Kim making
incisions, which suggests that she does
not regularly engage in this practice.
She appeared to be symbolically treal-
ing patients by applying small band-
ages. I talked about this case with a
Korean colleague at my univeristy, Dr.
Wou Jung Ju, Apparently, Mrs. Kim
has gained a degree of fame through-
out Korean and even a Korean church
group in Dr. Ju's neighborhood, in
Norfolk, Virginia, has wen her video-
tape. Although Dr. Ju noted that a
small percentage of religious Koreans
believe in her ability, he feels that most
Koreans are highly skeptical. Dı. Ju
knows of no formal scientific investiga-
tion of her organization's clainn.
The society keeps abreast of research
developments in other countries. Taka-
aki Ota, a high school English instruc-
tor, regularly paraphrases Western rc-
ports for the monthly meetings of the
society. He is presently reading Margins
of Reality by Jahn und Dunne (1987)
and will be reviewing this book at a
meeting this summer. Shigeki Hagio
presented a paper, "Recent Researches
ol l'arapsychology in USA" at the 1988
annual convention in Yotsuya, Tukyo.
Various other individuals, bosides
the members of the Japanese Society
for Parapsychology, have conducted
psychical research in Japan. Professor
Aoki has done a remote viewing ex-
periment at Chubu University, Hirushi
Motoyama, founder of the Institute for
Religious Psychology, has conducted a
longterm research program, seeking to
ferret out the relationship between
yoga, meridians and chi energy. Ho uses
complex equipment to monitor electri-
cal body functions and believes his
duta, analyzed by computer, reflect
personality characteristics, as well as
potential medical disorders. Motoyama,
a Shinto priest, advocates a religions
orientation, a position which af-
fects his theoretical formulations and
arouses suspicion among scientifically
oriented observers, Various new reli-
gious groups, which have sprung up
since World War II, also present many
claims regarding paranormal teats.
Some organizations advocate secular
idcologico, somewhat scientific in ori-
entation, rather than religious dor-
trines.
The Japanese media play a signifi.
cant role in shaping the public's im-
pressions uf the occult, A famous Japa-
nese actor, Tetuiro Tanba, had a near-
death experience; afterward, he took
part in producing a movie about the
"after-death" world. His fame and
popularity have increased even more
since he devoted time toward dissem-
inating life-after-death information.
Masuaki Kiyota, the Japanese metal
bender, has starred in a fictional movie,
written a book and appeared on vari-
ous television programs. Although, in
1986, he seemed to acknowledge on
TV that he used trickery, a degree of
controversy surrounds this incident and
he denies "confessing" in the manner
portrayed. Ile claims his "disclosure"
was produced through creative edit-
Ing.
During the carly 1980s, Professor
Otani conducted a series of experi-
ments with Masuaki Kiyota, attempt-
ing to document his psychokinetic abil-
ity on videotape. Otani videotaped
various events which suggest that some
of Koyota's performances are authen-
tic. One tape shows Kiynta directing
his efforts toward a specially-tagged
spoon which has been clamped into
position. On various occasions, the
spoon's head slowly, but markedly,
twists, without being touched. Otani
was prosent during these experiments
and carefully inspected the spuuns both
before and after videotaping, Since the
spoons' tags are clearly discernible in
these segments, it would seem that the
test spons could not have been lam-
presed with or switched. Otani hopes to
produce a "perfect" segment of vidco-
lape, one in which he demonstrates his
precautions and procedures, both be-
fore and after the filming of the sub-
ject's efforts.
Japan is presently experiencing u
form of occult boom. Fortune telling,
astrology and tarot cards are also at-
tracting interest, especially among
young girls. Some people are also
studying and advocating Chinese num-
crology and fortune telling techniques,
using the year, month, day and time uf
one's birth, Divinations based on the
writing of the characters in one's nante
make these calculations even mort.
womplex. A small, but growing, scg-
ment of young people has become in-
terested in stories about fairies (taken
from the European archetype, rather
than Japanese folklore).
Various popular magazines support
belief in the paranormal. One publica-
tion, Mu, whose name is derived from
the Pacific version of the lost con-
tinent of Atlantis, has a monthly cir-
culation of about 300,000. Twilight
Zone and AZ also attract the attention
of those interested in the paranormal.
Television programms, although not dei-
entifically oriented. have presented in-
formation regarding hauntings in
Japan.
Increasing concern with the occult
has stimulated critical activists to be-
come more visible. Although this move-
ment may be an indication that Japa-
nese skeptics arc beginning to take the
possibility of ESP's existence more
seriously, 1 know of no evidence aug-
gesting that the Japanese scientific
community harbors greater tolerance
to parascientific claims than do West-
eru scientista. It may be that they; are
more willing to investigate physiologi-
cal phenomena associated with altered
mental states, since some investigators
have conducted experiments with in-
dividuals claiming special abilities.
One television program, part of the
series "Science-Q," a weekly education-
al documentary, presented a program
that attracted great interest among
Japanese parapsychologists. The pro-
gram showed various feats performed
by a Liko master from China, Dr. Yu
Yang Chang. Under the supervision of
academic researchers, the master
caused paralyzed children to move
their limbs. He also affected a candie's
flame under uncontrolled conditions
(the investigators felt that their con-
trols were satisfactory during this fent,
Parapsychology Review
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
14

:
. Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1
.
but I believe most Western parapsy-
chologists would disagree with them).
Japanese investigators claimed that the
bkxxl volume and heat in the master's
hands imreused when he attempted to
radiate energy. A professor from Toho-
hus University used a special device to
wicasme cantucly low levels of pluton
emissions (light) : he determined that
the kiko master could radiate such en-
ergy in an unusual, and perhaps anom-
alous, manner. Although experiments
welang to detect special emissions of
static electricity, supersonic sounds and
long frequency waves were not success-
ful, the muster was able to affect the
emission of infrared light. An EEG
analysis of the master's brain indicated
a pattern similar to that of an epilep-
tie patient, as well as changes in alpha
patterns, even though no unusual be-
havior was apparent. After the demon-
strations, discussanis argued regarding
the meaning of these findings. One
speculated that very minor energy
emissions of the master triggered bodi-
ly responses In the patient, using the
patient's own energy. Another felt this
theory was inadequate, since he be-
lieved the master could affect inani-
mate objects.
Dr. Tusiv Kasahara, a member of
the Parapsychological Association, had
the opportunity to monitor the effects
patients. The woman, who was unable
in get up in the morning due to a herr-
ditay, severe kidney problem, was
clearly benefited by the kiko master's
therapy. After treatment, she arose at
a normal hour and became far more
ative in life
Dr. Yu allegedly has demonstrated
the ability to affect his patients' auto-
nomic nervous systems, even when
shielded from them. He is quite will-
ing to participate in controlled experi-
ments investigating the possibility that
lu can do this at a distance, Western
researchers who are interested in this
project should contact me so that I can
put them in touch with Japanese in-
vestigators. ()ne researcher, 1)r. Shi-
gemi K. Saathi, suggests the following
conditions: (1) subject(s) in the LISA
should be young, regardless of sex, hav-
ing a high sensitivity and having had
much experience with autogenic train-
ing; (2) the laboratory should he
shielded from clectromagnetism; (3)
various elements within the autonomic
nervous system should be competently
measured. Dr. Yu would concentrate
un photographs of the talknatury and
subject(s) in an attempt to cause psy-
chological effects.
A television program which aired in
caly 1909 may also affect public per-
ceptions of the paranormal. A profes-
sional magician, Marik, gave deunns-
strations of what he referred to as
"psychokinesis" and "telekinesis." llc
bent spanne, transformed keys, made
coins seem to pass through glass and
performed mentalist feats. Although he
stated that be was "tiot a psychic," he
did not explain the meany by which he
accomplished his feats and many ob-
servers interpreted his performance as
a demonstration of paranormal ability.
Those familiar with sleight-of-hand
magic would have no difficulties in per-
ceiving normal means by which Marik
could perform his frats. He portrays
himself as a performer, rather than an
Individual who requests scientific in-
vestigation, and seems cautious in mak-
ing outright declarations regarding
"magical" powers.
The members of the Japanese So-
clety for Parapsychology recognize the
problems that media presentations cre-
ate for scientifically oriented research.
era, but remain interested in the possi-
bility that humans radiate special en+
ergies associated with pi. The prac-
tices of acupuncture, shiatsu and other
therapies based on Asian ideologies are
prevalent in Japan. They feel that
Chinese kiko, a practice associated with
seemingly psychokinetic performances;
may constitute a fruitful realm for the
scientific investigation of psychic heal-
ing. Although Chinese researchers in-
vestigating kiko masters tend to accept
loose proofs of "anomalous" fenta,
Japanese scientists demand far higher
levels of evidence. The main interest of
Japanese investigators is not whether
kiko masters have special abilities, but
the exact nature of the energies prot
ducing observed effects. Although such
abilities may not be related to psi, the
investigation of them will contribute to
the understanding of human playsiol-
ogy.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ifaraldmson, E. (1087). Modern Atiracias,
An Investigative Report on Prychic Phe-
Homend Associated with Sathya Sai Baba,
New York : Fawcett Columbine.
Jahn, R. G. and Dunne, B. J. (1987). Mar-
gins of Reality: The Role of Conscious-
mess in the Physical World, San Diego:
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich,
Stevenson, lan (1987). Children Who He-
member Previous Lives, Charlottesville.
VA: University of Virginia Promn.
PARAPSYCHOLOGY LIBRARY
The Eileen J. Garrett Library of the Parapsychology Foundation, 228 East 71st
St., New York, N.Y. 10021, is open to students and researchers, Monday through
Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday until 8:00 p.m.
1
.
July-August, 1989
15
Approved For Release 2000/08/15 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400390001-1