Researchers Gain Rare Access to Ancient Burial Mound
On March 7th, 2023, researchers were granted a rare opportunity to access the Daisen kofun, a keyhole-shaped imperial burial mound dating back to the fifth century. This monumental structure, located in Sakai, Japan, is shrouded in mystery and has been strictly off-limits to the public until now.
The Daisen kofun, also known as the Emperor Nintoku Mausoleum, is the largest of 49 burial mounds designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019. These mounds, constructed between the late fourth and fifth centuries, represent the "golden age" of burial mounds in Japan.
This unprecedented access granted to 17 academic organizations marked the first time scholars were allowed to set foot on the sacred site since the end of World War II. Accompanied by officials from the Imperial Household Agency, the group approached the 486-meter-long structure by boat due to its surrounding moat.
During their two-hour exploration of the first level terrace, the researchers discovered areas where the mound had collapsed and sections where layered stones had been repaired. Professor Shin Hidaka, representing the Japanese Archaeological Association, emphasized the importance of sharing this newfound knowledge with the public, especially considering discrepancies between survey maps and observations made outside the mound.
Despite being located in bustling residential areas, all of the burial mounds within the World Heritage site have remained closed to the public due to their connection to emperors and other members of the imperial family. Limited access was only granted to scholars in 2008, and the Nintoku tomb is only the 18th to be observed by academics.
The research group expressed their desire for continued collaboration with the Imperial Household Agency, advocating for expanded access and observation opportunities, ultimately aiming for public access to this significant historical site.
While the agency officially designates the Daisen kofun as the mausoleum for Emperor Nintoku, the identity of the individual buried within remains unconfirmed. Local authorities conducted a partial study of the tomb in 1872, but access was subsequently restricted.
Recent joint excavations by the Imperial Household Agency and the Sakai municipal government in 2018 and 2021 uncovered cylindrical haniwa, terracotta clay figures used for decoration, and stone ornaments on the mound's embankments. However, the burial chamber itself remains unexplored.
The Daisen kofun stands as a testament to Japan's ancient history and cultural heritage. The recent access granted to researchers offers a valuable opportunity to learn more about this enigmatic structure and the secrets it holds within.