#Japan #Chiba #AKEGATA #Kasori Shell Mound #Jomon Culture

Live Streaming Event for the Kasori Shell Mound Excavation Experience

On October 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM, an exciting live stream will take place, bringing the Kasori Shell Mound Excavation Experience directly into homes across Japan. Spearheaded by Ake Gata Co., a company based in Setagaya, Tokyo, this event is a collaboration with the Chiba City Kasori Shell Mound Museum. This marks the museum's first-ever real-time online broadcast, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home, allowing elementary and middle school students to dive into the fascinating world of archaeology. Should rain disrupt the scheduled event, a backup date of October 17 is set.

The Kasori Shell Mound Museum is known for its commitment to education, particularly for children, and this year's excavation experience will be unique. Generally, programs are targeted at elementary school students, but this excavation event will provide an opportunity for junior high and high school students, as well as adults, to engage with archaeological research firsthand.

The live broadcast will not only showcase professional archaeologists but will also allow viewers to witness the excavation site in real-time, capturing the essence of what it’s like to dig in a historical setting. With events such as the “Doki Doki Excavation Experience” currently available for younger students, the museum strives to give older students an invaluable opportunity to deepen their understanding of archaeology and the significance of the Kasori Shell Mound.

Bridging the Gap with Online Learning

The initiative stems from a visit to the Kasori Shell Mound Museum last October by the president of Ake Gata, who was inspired to create a virtual space titled “Nekodama” within the “Eight Hundred Eight Towns.” The aim was to construct a community platform that effectively immerses children in the Jomon lifestyle. By experiencing various activities such as fire making, applying Jomon patterns, or visiting reconstructed pit dwellings, the young audience will gain insights into the history and craftsmanship of the Jomon civilization.

This online event not only promotes the upcoming opening of the new Kasori Shell Mound Museum in 2030 but also works to connect children with learning opportunities that ignite their interests. Nekodama hopes that this experience will inspire the younger generation to explore and possibly follow in the footsteps of archaeological enthusiasts, including the late researcher Shiro Arai. Known for his dedication to Jomon pottery, Arai worked tirelessly for over a decade, creating thousands of pieces while aiming to share the beauty of Jomon ceramics with as many people as possible.

During this excavation event, a variety of artifacts, including shells, Jomon pottery, ritual items, burials, and more, will be unearthed, emphasizing the importance of education in our heritage. The vision is that the excitement of this live stream will plant seeds for future scholars and enthusiasts of the Jomon period, fostering a love for discovery and archaeological pursuits.

Join the Live Stream!

Children across Japan are encouraged to participate in this engaging experience. With Nekodama, the ongoing goal is to ensure that children feel empowered to chase after their dreams and explore their curiosities. The live viewing is free but requires prior registration through the provided QR code or link. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from experts and engage with history like never before!

Event Details

• - Date and Time: October 10, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• - Backup Date: October 17, 2026
• - Target Audience: Elementary and middle school students (ages 8-15, family participation is welcomed)
• - Cost: Free (pre-registration required)

To apply for viewing, please follow the registration link: Registration by October 9 at 5 PM.

For more information about the excavation experience, please check the details on Chiba City's website. Nekodama seeks to connect students with interactive content, allowing them to experience the wealth of knowledge and cultural heritage that lies at their fingertips. With a motto of 'anyone can, at any time, do anything', Nekodama is dedicated to growing with children and their dreams, pioneering pathways for their future achievements.