#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #archaeological research #ancient tombs

A Dive into Interdisciplinary Studies of Ancient Tombs at Okayama University

On March 8, 2026, Okayama University will host a significant research presentation titled "Comprehensive Research on Large Ancient Tombs through Interdisciplinary Analysis – Focusing on the Kibi Region." This event will showcase the findings from their Scientific Research Fund S project analyzing the structures of monumental tombs from varied academic lenses, illustrating a rich collaboration between sciences and humanities.

Event Overview

The seminar is slated to take place from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Okayama University Tsushima Campus, specifically in the Cultural Research Building's joint research room. This free event promises to engage attendees with fascinating discussions led by experts in the field. A total of four distinguished speakers will present their research, each contributing unique insights into the study of ancient tombs using different scientific methods.

Scheduled Speakers and Topics:

1. Kaoru Iijima (Yamanashi University): He will discuss the current status of subsurface observations using cosmic ray muons to explore ancient burial mounds.
2. Toshio Nosaka (Okayama University): His presentation will delve into the petrology of haniwa (clay figurines) from Kibi, estimating the raw materials and temperatures used in their firing process.
3. Osamu Kimura (Osaka University): He will analyze the relationship between large burial mounds in the Kibi region, focusing specifically on Kinjōzan, Zōzan, and Sakuyama tombs.
4. Shigeyuki Suzuki (Okayama University), among others: His research examines the impacts of geological and geotechnical factors on the landslide occurrences at Zōzan during significant rain events over the past 30 years.

This event marks a crucial opportunity for scholars, students, and archaeology enthusiasts to gather and discuss pivotal findings linking geoscience, archaeology, and history, emphasizing the cultural significance of these monumental structures.

Venue Details

• - Location: Okayama University Tsushima Campus, Cultural Research Building 2nd Floor Joint Research Room
• - Address: 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, 700-8530, Japan
• - Campus Map

Registration Information

• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Pre-registration: Not required. Attendees can join directly without prior registration.

For additional information, feel free to contact the Okayama University Archaeology Research Laboratory at:

• - E-mail: aseike◎okayama-u.ac.jp (replace ◎ with @)

Related Research Initiatives

This event is part of a broader initiative involving various archaeological studies and conferences held at Okayama University. Notable past events include:

• - 2nd Conference on University and War Ruins (February 11, 2026)
• - Monthly Research Seminar on Wound Treatment Activities in Rural Uganda (February 18, 2026, Online)
• - Public Course on Okayama's Forests and Timber Utilization History (February 28, 2026)

As part of the national and international commitment to sustainable development goals, Okayama University continues to foster research that bridges gaps between disciplines, enriching our understanding of cultural heritage.

Closing Remarks

The upcoming presentation showcases Okayama University’s dedication to advancing archaeological knowledge while appealing to a diverse audience eager to learn about the secrets held by these ancient structures. The university welcomes all to join this fascinating journey into the past, exploring innovative methods of research that cross traditional academic boundaries.