Could this letter from 67 years in the future be the real thing?
Handwritten letters have a certain kind of fascinating charm to them, and receiving one does wonders to one’s spirits, even if it’s from yourself from a not-too-distant past.
But the reverse has happened to a NASA jet propulsion laboratory systems engineer recently when he explored a quiet section of a university library. Walking past some disused library card cabinets, an unexplainable urge prompted him to pull open a random drawer.
▼ Among all the drawers there, the first one he opened
contained a handwritten piece of paper. (Translation below)
“At a university library, I opened the drawer to a card catalog that isn’t being used anymore. I just decided to open one up, and there was this piece of paper inside that read: ‘If you are reading this, it is proof time travel exists. 4/4/2085.’ It’s a letter from April 4, 2085. This feels like the beginning of a movie.”
The engineer was stunned. Not only was there a note hidden in the first drawer he opened, it came from 67 years in the future, meant for his eyes alone. Could it be that the library card cabinets contained other messages from other timelines?
He wasn’t about to rummage through what must have been hundreds of drawers like a madman, and since there was a phone number scribbled onto the note anyway, he felt compelled to contact the sender.
▼ “I sent a text to the telephone number and got this reply. This is amazing!”
https://twitter.com/notactor/status/1004169864091586561Despite several attempts at coaxing more information out of the visitor from the future, that cryptic reply was the only one the engineer received.
Disappointed there was no further response from the sender even on the following day, he drove to work as usual. Before long, he noticed a DeLorean DMC-12 like the one featured in time traveling movie hit Back to the Future cruising ahead of him, sporting a license plate with the words “80s”.
▼ 2080s? Great Scott! So that time traveler had been watching him all along!
Japanese netizens were thrilled about the entire episode:
“That’s iMessage, so that’s gotta be an Apple product. Might be an iPhone 50. I wonder what it looks like? Does it even have a shape?”
“Incredible!”
“This is so intriguing.”
“That’s John Titor (a man who claimed to be a time traveler in early 2000s).”
“Wow! The sender must have been elated. What’s more, the recipient is a NASA engineer! The sender could be someone in NASA too.”
Perhaps the sender was indeed someone from the far future, traveling through a mysterious time tunnel like the one in China to deliver an urgent message to the NASA engineer. Or maybe it was all a harmless joke. But whatever it was, it sure brightened up everyone’s day.
Source: Twitter/notactor via Hamsoku
Featured image: Twitter/notactor
Insert image: Pakutaso


Japanese capital to move from Tokyo to Okayama…according to a “time-travelling” Twitter user
Japanese net-user finds funny letter written to his future self, shares awkwardness online
Next time you go sightseeing, use a tote bag instead of a cross-body bag, says Japanese traveler
Travel back in time to this timeless Japanese hot spring inn from the Taisho period【Photos】
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan super budget dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at McDonald’s?
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
Japan has an awesome one-person bento box rice cooker, and here’s what we made with ours
Meet the Mega Bento, a Japanese meal that’s heavier than a newborn baby
Used undies, rotten food, expired meds and other disaster “aid” Japan doesn’t want
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply