#Japan #Archaeology #Nishitokyo #Shimotakanoya

Celebrating a Decade of the Shimotakanoya Archaeological Site

Nishitokyo City is marking a significant milestone with the upcoming symposium titled "Connecting Shimotakanoya and Jomon Village to the Future". This event celebrates the 10th anniversary of the designation of the Shimotakanoya site as a National Historic Site, an achievement reached on March 10, 2015. Since then, the site has been preserved, studied, and appreciated by the community, showcasing a remarkable journey of cultural connectivity.

The Purpose of the Symposium

As we pivot from an era defined by material wealth to one focusing on the enrichment of the human spirit, the importance of well-being becomes increasingly relevant. Cultural heritage sites like Shimotakanoya not only narrate our past but also serve as invaluable resources for our future. This major archaeological site, one of the largest Jomon settlements in the southern Kanto region, stands as a testament to both cultural resilience and the transformational impact of public interest in archaeology.

The symposium aims to reevaluate the significance of the Shimotakanoya site through an academic lens while reaffirming its allure for the local community and beyond. Participants will work together to contemplate how to illuminate the future of a shared national treasure, the Shimotakanoya site, within Nishitokyo.

Event Details

• - Date: December 21, 2025 (Sunday)
• - Time: 10:00 - 16:00 (Doors open at 9:00)
• - Location: Takuto Home Komorebi GRAFARE Hall

1-5-1 Nakacho, Nishitokyo, Tokyo 202-0013

• - Admission: Free
• - Capacity: First 600 attendees (No reservations required)
• - Special Gift: Commemorative items for attendees

Event Program

1. Keynote Lecture: "Why Now for the Shimotakanoya Site? The Current Issues of Public Archaeology"
- Presented by Associate Professor Akira Matsuda of the University of Tokyo, who will explore how the citizen-led conservation and development of Shimotakanoya is positioned within the broader discourse on cultural heritage protection.

2. Panel Discussion:
- Followed by discussions led by Matsuda, engaging community members and university students with experience in activities related to Shimotakanoya, contemplating future directions for the site.

Special Exhibition: A Decade of the Shimotakanoya Historic Site

In addition to the symposium, a special exhibition celebrating the ten-year journey of the historic site will be held from December 6, 2025, to March 1, 2026. This exhibition will feature artifacts and visual displays that document its conservation efforts and community outreach.

• - Location: Nishitokyo City Local History Room, 4-5-6 Nishihara-cho, Nishitokyo, Tokyo 188-0004
• - Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and for the year-end holidays from Dec 28 to Jan 4)
• - Admission: Free

About Shimotakanoya Archaeological Site

Located within Nishitokyo City, the Shimotakanoya site spans approximately 134,000 square meters, showcasing artifacts from various periods, including the Paleolithic and Jomon eras. Key findings at the site include over 400 pit dwellings and numerous artifacts that delve into our prehistoric past.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

How would you like to utilize and promote the Shimotakanoya site? We invite everyone to share their thoughts and ideas during this engaging event. Let's collaboratively envision a thriving future for this historical treasure!