A large metal sphere washed up on a Japanese beach, perplexing locals and sparking a flurry of speculation. Nobody knows what it is yet, not even the police or bomb squad dispatched to investigate. But what is known is that it is hollow and does not pose a threat. Many people believe it's a type of buoy. The find in the coastal city of Hamamatsu has been dubbed "Godzilla egg," "mooring buoy," and "from outer space" by curious locals. NHK showed footage of two officials on Enshuhama Beach inspecting the rusted metal sphere, which appeared to be 1.5m (4.9ft) wide. It was discovered by a local who called police after noticing the unusual object on the beach. Authorities cordoned off the area and conducted X-ray exams which did not reveal much more - other than confirming the object was safe. Now it has been removed. "I think everyone in Hamamatsu City was worried and curious about what it was about, but I'm relieved that the work is over," a local official told Japanese media. Many also questioned on social media why Japanese officials have not explained what it is. Others have voiced embarrassment at the whole episode. "I can't believe officials from a country surrounded by ocean don't recognise a ball buoy," read one tweet. "OMG! It's a steel mooring buoy people. I'm embarrassed to be Japanese," said another.