My friend, who lives in Tokyo, told me, "I want to go to Okayama."
When I asked, "Where do you want to go?" they replied, "I want to go to the Tatetsuki Site because I heard UFOs appear there." However, I had no knowledge of the Tatetsuki Site at all.
Moreover, when I looked it up, I found that the site is located near my home. I was surprised when I visited the site right away. To think that such an important site, rarely seen in history, exists in a quiet residential area of Kurashiki...
The mysterious scenery was such that it wouldn't be surprising if a UFO actually showed up. I was very curious and attended a lecture asking, "What on earth was this site built for?"
What is "Bichu Kurashiki Studies"?
Bichu Kurashiki Studies is based on the concept of "learning about the history and culture of the Bichu and Kurashiki regions and contributing to cultural advancement," and interesting lectures are held on the second Thursday of every month.
The venue is the Kurashiki Community Center, located in the Bikan Historical Area. It is a stylish building with impressive white walls, so it is easy to find.
No prior registration is required, and anyone can participate for free. For more details, please check the schedule and lecture content on the official website.
The speaker for the 177th lecture is "Professor Akira Fukumoto, Okayama University of Economics"
The speaker for the 177th Bichu Kurashiki Studies is Professor Akira Fukumoto, Okayama University of Economics.
Mr. Fukumoto is a specialist in archaeology and has written books about the Tatetsuki Site. Many people attended the lecture, indicating a high level of interest.
The Tatetsuki Site, which has also been featured on popular television programs, is famous nationwide. There are two main reasons for its fame.
- It is the largest burial site from the Yayoi period in Japan.
- The burial methods are quite unique.
And this erected stone. The rock visible in the front of the photo is 3.8m tall, 2.9m wide, and 25cm thick, making it quite large, and it is arranged in double circles.
Due to the size of the tomb and the uniqueness of the burial method, it is predicted that the person buried there held considerable power.
"Perhaps the site was a stage to demonstrate the king's majesty,"
Mr. Fukumoto mentioned. He also introduced the thrilling mysteries of the Tatetsuki Site that he discussed during the lecture.
Mysterious sacred object, Kotaimon Stone
Various items have been excavated from the Tatetsuki Site. Among them, the Kotaimon Stone is a very mysterious stone.
The oval stone, about 90cm long, has beautiful band-like patterns and what appears to be a face carved on it.
"This stone was likely used in a ritual ceremony to transfer power from the deceased king of Kibi to the new king,"
Mr. Fukumoto stated. It must have been a magnificent ceremony.
Another Kotaimon Stone, about 60cm in size, was also excavated, which showed signs of having been burned and was artificially broken. Broken magatama and pottery were also found.
In modern funerals, it is common to break a teacup, which may carry the same meaning of "never to be used again."
The king of the Kibi region may have been a woman
Red mercury was laid in the wooden coffin.
This mercury is said to be for preventing decay. What is astonishing is that the mercury weighs as much as 32kg and is of quite high quality.
It is presumed that this precious mercury was obtained from abroad in large quantities.
This also indicates the strength of the king's power. Additionally, two teeth were found in the coffin. According to experts, they are "small teeth from a person aged 40 to 50."
Mr. Fukumoto mentioned, "The fact that the teeth are small suggests that the person referred to as the king of Kibi may have been a woman."
Thinking that the king of Kibi might have been a queen was exciting.
Perhaps Himiko was from Kibi⁉︎
A special ceremonial stand with patterns excavated from the Tatetsuki Site.
This is a ceramic used exclusively for funerals in the Kibi region. Although this special ceremonial stand is from the Kibi region, the same type has also been found in the Hashihaka Kofun (in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture), which is said to be the tomb of Himiko.
This suggests a deep connection between Kibi and Himiko, implying that there may have been a blood relationship or alliance. If there is a blood relationship between Himiko and the king of Kibi, she could have been the granddaughter of Himiko.
In other words, if Himiko is indeed descended from the king of Kibi, she may have been from Kibi.
The history of the Tatetsuki Site becomes even more interesting with the possibility of important figures closely related to Himiko.
Conclusion
It is presumed that the king's funeral ceremony at the Tatetsuki Site was held at night.
About 1800 years ago, flames rose brightly in the town of Kurashiki, and people broke rocks and pottery to bid farewell to the great king. Imagining that sentiment and scene makes my heart swell, and I want to pass on this history to the future.
Mr. Fukumoto stated the following:
"The site cannot be preserved just for researchers. I want people to know about the site so that they see the benefits of preserving it."
In 2026, plans are underway for some site improvements, and the full picture will likely become clearer. It may become even more famous nationwide.
When you visit Kurashiki, please take a little detour and be sure to see the Tatetsuki Site. You will feel the grand power of the king of Kibi and its history.
The next Bichu Kurashiki Studies on April 11, 2024, will be about "Religion and Religious Figures in Okayama." Would you like to learn about the local history and culture through Bichu Kurashiki Studies?
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Data for Bichu Kurashiki Studies 177th Session 'Tatetsuki Site and Its Era'
| Name | Bichu Kurashiki Studies 177th Session 'Tatetsuki Site and Its Era' |
|---|---|
| Date | March 14, 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM |
| Location | Kurashiki Community Center |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Homepage | Bichu Kurashiki Studies |
