Story By: Simon Glover, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report

These pics show a mysterious UFO spotted flying over Japan’s Imperial Palace the day after the country’s new emperor took the throne sparking a police probe.

Riot police on guard outside the Imperial Palace, in the capital city of Tokyo, reported seeing suspected drones, with flashing red and white lights, in the sky.

And smartphone footage shot by eyewitnesses showed what local media have reported as “UFOs” over the Imperial Palace and other locations connected to the Japanese royal family.

Pictures Credit: AsiaWire

There were seen above the Akasaka Estate, currently home to the new Emperor Naruhito and his family, as well as other members of the royal family.

And another UFO was seen over the Musashino Imperial Graveyard, on the edge of the city, where imperial family members are buried.

Emporer Naruhito, 59, who was educated at Oxford University, this week ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne, replacing his father, Akihito, 85, who abdicated a day earlier.

Akihito, who will now be known as Emperor Emeritus, was the first Japanese emperor to stand down in more than 200 years.