Laser pointers aimed at aircraft can be a major safety hazard, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. (U.S. Air Force)

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — Japanese police are investigating reports from the 18th Wing that laser pointers were aimed at two of its aircraft in the air on Tuesday.

Okinawa Prefectural Police received two reports from the base that a green laser was aimed from the ground at the aircraft, a police spokesman said by phone Wednesday.

Neither the spokesman nor the wing would specify what type of aircraft were targeted.

The first report, around 7:15 p.m., said a laser that seemed to originate from the shore of Yomitan village was aimed at an aircraft flying around the base, the spokesman said.

A second report at 7:45 p.m. said a laser originating from the Mizugama district of Kadena town was aimed at another aircraft, the spokesman said.

No injuries or damages to the aircraft were reported, the spokesman said. The Air Force is cooperating with a police investigation, according to the spokespeople.

Wing spokeswoman Maj. Alli Stormer in an email Wednesday confirmed the reports of lasers pointed at aircraft assigned to Kadena.

“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not only dangerous but also illegal under Japanese law,” she wrote.

Kadena is a strategic Air Force hub with squadrons of air refuelers; surveillance, command and control aircraft; helicopters; and fourth- and fifth-generation fighters.

The incidents may violate the Civil Aeronautics Act or Article 234 of Japan’s penal code, forcible obstruction of business, the spokesman said.

A violation of Article 234A may result in up to three years in prison or a fine up to 500,000 yen — more than $3,200.

“I am aware that something similar happened about 10 years ago in Ginowan city, and that case was filed as forcible obstruction of business,” the spokesman said.

Some Japanese government officials are required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.