2025 Mount Hiba Sighting Stuns Hikers
Date: February 2025 | Location: Mount Hiba, Japan
For decades, Japan’s own version of Bigfoot—the Hibagon—has lingered on the edge of legend. Now, a group of hikers trekking Mount Hiba claims to have captured the clearest photos yet of this mysterious, ape-like creature. The images, posted to Japanese forum 5ch in February 2025, show what appears to be a large, hairy humanoid figure moving between trees on a remote forest trail.
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Within hours, the photos ignited viral debate on Japanese social media, with many calling it the first credible Hibagon encounter in over 20 years.
The 2025 Hibagon Sighting
The photos were taken on February 3, 2025, by three friends hiking near the Shobara side of Mount Hiba in Hiroshima Prefecture. The hikers, who requested anonymity, say they first heard heavy rustling and a guttural grunt echoing through the woods.
“We froze. At first, I thought it was a bear, but it stood upright and moved strangely. It looked almost human, but taller, covered in dark brown hair. It vanished before we could get closer.” – Witness statement (translated)
The two photos they shared—one blurred, the other partially focused—show a broad-shouldered figure approximately 6–7 feet tall, seemingly mid-stride between cedar trees. A rough estimation of scale using nearby vegetation suggests the creature was much larger than a human.
Veteran Hibagon researcher Masaru Akimoto called it “the most compelling sighting since 1982.”
Viral photo- Is it the Hibagon or a hoax?
Background: The Legend of Hibagon
The Hibagon is Japan’s answer to North America’s Bigfoot, with sightings dating back to the 1970s around Mount Hiba. Descriptions of the creature vary but typically describe a shorter, stockier humanoid compared to the American Sasquatch—around 5 to 7 feet tall, covered in dark brown or black hair, with a face resembling both an ape and a human.
Japanese newspapers first reported Hibagon encounters in 1972, leading to a media frenzy in the region. Locals described a creature that seemed intelligent yet elusive, leaving behind only strange tracks and fleeting glimpses. Theories over the decades have ranged from a surviving primate species to escaped zoo animals or even spiritual guardians of the mountain.
Speculation and Theories
The 2025 Hibagon photos have reignited debate among cryptid enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Some theories circulating online include:
- Undiscovered primate species: A rare hominid surviving in Japan’s remote forests.
- Misidentification: A bear or large person caught at a strange angle.
- Folklore manifestation: Locals believe Hibagon is a yokai (spirit) that appears during times of environmental change.
- Hoax: Some suspect edited images or a costumed individual seeking viral fame.
Researchers are urging anyone hiking in the Mount Hiba region to remain cautious, document sightings, and report credible evidence to local authorities or cryptozoological groups.
Conclusion
Whether Hibagon is a lost species, a legend, or something in between, the 2025 sighting has brought new life to an old mystery. As the debate continues, these photos are already cementing their place as one of the most talked-about cryptid sightings in recent Japanese history.
What do you think of the Hibagon sighting? Could Japan’s Bigfoot be real? Check out the photos above and share your thoughts in the comments below.
