8-meter giant squid to be on TV program for the first time

The National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo recorded on camera a giant squid measuring eight meters in length for the first time in the world.

According to the Japan Times and international news on Jan. 7, the oceanic research team of the museum filmed the squid 630 meters under the sea near Chichi Island in the northern section of the Pacific Ocean last July.

The giant squid, which was believed to have caused the death of sailors and the sinking of large vessels, was subjects of mystery to zoologists and novelists for a long time.

Tsunemi Kubodera, who managed the research, described the creature as shining beautifully and was bright in the deep sea.

There had been an incident when a fisherman accidentally caught a giant squid in Canada in 1874.

The giant squid, filmed alive for the first time, will be televised on NHK and the Discovery channels on Jan. 13 and 27.

According to the Smithsonian National Museum, the length of the previously known giant squid was 13 meters long, had eight legs and sharp teeth.