Okayama University Hosts Community Event to Explore Ancient Tsushima Site and Rice Cultivation

Okayama University's Tsushima Archaeological Site Event

On November 22, 2025, the Graduate School of Social and Cultural Sciences at Okayama University organized the second walking event focused on the Tsushima archaeological site. This occasion took place in collaboration with the Tsushima Site and Sports Museum, as well as the J-Terrace Café located on the university's Tsushima campus. Approximately 15 participants joined the event, comprising students from Okayama University and neighboring institutions, university staff, and local residents.

The event commenced with a welcoming address from Hiroyoshi Chikashige, the vice-chair of the Tate-shiki Renaissance cultural organization. Following this, museum curators provided an in-depth explanation of the origins of rice cultivation in the Tsushima area alongside exhibits featuring Yayoi pottery.

Participants also had the opportunity to visit the remains of ancient rice fields and elevated granaries, guided by Masato Tsugumori, a history enthusiast affiliated with the Tate-shiki Renaissance. This exploration deepened the attendees' understanding of the historical significance of the site.

In the J-Terrace Café, attendees engaged in lively discussions following a presentation by Emeritus Professor Keiichi Mitani regarding his psychological experiments, which were showcased on Chikashige's contemporary art gallery website. This interaction fostered a vibrant environment, promoting knowledge-sharing among participants.

Additionally, graduate student Natsue Shiraishi shared her recent research findings on the relationship between frequent physical activities, lifelong learning, and positive aging among older adults. She presented these insights, which were derived from a study conducted at the American Society on Aging, further enriching the participants' understanding of contemporary societal challenges (Shiraishi et al., 2025).

This gathering not only allowed participants to learn about the historical context of the archaeological site and psychology but also served as a significant opportunity to enhance community ties and promote health through education.

Looking ahead, the next event is scheduled for February 14, 2026, starting at 15:30. This upcoming occasion will include a visit to the Tsushima site followed by an exclusive evening meal at J-Terrace Café, featuring a slideshow and commentary by Emeritus Professor Hiroshi Makino at 17:00.

Participants are encouraged to look forward to further initiatives by Okayama University, which is committed to being a distinctive research institution and a central hub for the community.

About OU-SPRING

OU-SPRING is a program by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) aimed at fostering exceptional young researchers by providing scholarships and research funding for students in doctoral programs. This initiative aims to fortify Okayama University's focus areas of research and nurture the next generation of innovators, contributing to Japan's advancement in science and technology.