“Kibiji’s Historical Heritage” Appeal Promotion Project ～ Exploring the Intrinsic Value of Sites Such as Komorizuka Kofun and the Ruins of Bitchū Kokubun-niji Temple and Sharing Their Appeal

Interview with Matsuo and Hirano

We spoke with Matsuo Yoshiko and Hirano Yuri, who are in charge of the comprehensive survey for the preservation and utilization of the Bichu Kokubun-niji Temple Site and other sites at the Ancient Kibi Cultural Properties Center.

First-year results of the “Comprehensive Survey for the Preservation and Utilization of the Bichu Kokubun-niji Temple Site and Other Sites”

Here are the results of the first year of the comprehensive survey.

Results of the excavation and on-site briefing

Please tell us what was learned from the 2023 excavation.

Matsuo (surname only)

No excavations have previously been conducted within the precincts of the Bichu Kokubun-niji Temple Site.

Even so, the arrangement of the buildings, known as the temple layout, is generally understood from red relief images and the local topography.

The purpose of this year's survey (FY2023) was to accurately determine the locations, dimensions, and structures of the foundations of the south gate, middle gate, and lecture hall among these buildings.

We found that the middle gate had a post-in-ground structure, which I believe is rare nationwide. At the south gate and lecture hall, we newly confirmed foundation stones from the time they were built, and were able to identify their locations and dimensions almost exactly.

How was the on-site briefing?

The on-site briefing was attended by 120 people, and 200 people visited during the week-long public opening the following week. We could really feel how interested everyone was.

Pamphlet and YouTube

The pamphlet “Kibiji's Historical Heritage 2,” published in January 2024 to promote the area's appeal, is said to be Hirano's labor of love.

Hirano

I wanted to make something that even people unfamiliar with archaeology could enjoy, so I worked hard, focusing on catchy illustrations and comments.

At the same time, I tried to include information that would help people learn about some more specialized topics.

For the hiking route featured, I also added my own impressions from walking it.

I hope people will also use it for events such as the Kibiji Walk, held annually since FY2020.

I hear you also post videos on YouTube.

Hirano

At temple sites, roof tiles are important artifacts. We have uploaded a video recreating how ancient roof tiles were made.

The videos are short and easy to watch, so please visit the Ancient Kibi Cultural Properties Center YouTube channel.

Lectures

At the archaeology lecture in March 2024, Matsuo spoke about roof tiles.

Matsuo

The Nara period is considered the era of a Ritsuryo state centered on the emperor. However, recent research has revealed regional diversity.

Research into the Kokubun-niji temples, whose construction was ordered in all of the former 60-plus provinces, is a way to explore the relationship between the state and local regions.

Research into tile patterns and manufacturing techniques is one example.

Organizing materials and more

Could you tell us about the status of research on the collected artifacts?

Matsuo

Many artifacts were excavated from the Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple Site during the 1971 excavation. Most were roof tiles, totaling an astonishing four tons.

Academically, the timing of the construction of Kokubun-ji and Kokubun-niji temples is a topic of interest. It is generally thought that Kokubun-ji temples were built first.

This excavation also uncovered about four tons of artifacts from the Bichu Kokubun-niji Temple Site.

Comparative research on these artifacts may help clarify when the two temples were built.

Future of the initiative to promote the area's appeal

Please tell us about your plans for FY2024 and beyond.

Matsuo

First, in FY2024, I think we will continue excavations of the main hall and other areas.

The preservation and utilization plan will be drawn up as the survey progresses.

The appeal of Kibiji to share

Could you tell us again about the appeal of Kibiji?

Matsuo

Generally speaking, as the name suggests, buried cultural properties are things that are or were buried, so there is little to see.

However, all of Kibiji's historical heritage can be seen with the naked eye.

The overall plan, including how the sites will be utilized, is still to come, but I don't think Kibiji needs anything new.

I would simply like to find ways for people walking the paths to understand things like, “This is what it used to be like,” and “There used to be a temple here.”

We will work hard to establish the value of the sites, help local residents learn about them, and preserve them. I hope it will turn out that way.

Future dreams and goals

Finally, could you tell us about your dreams and goals for the future?

Hirano

Last year (2023), I took part in my first excavation.

I experienced firsthand how happy it is to hear people say, “I hope many people enjoy this,” and I also learned the joy of seeing my efforts take shape.

I think it is very important to help people learn about the appeal of these sites as we work to preserve them. I would like to explain things carefully, sometimes incorporating academic content, while making use of my skills, such as illustration.

Matsuo

A long time ago, my university graduation thesis was about roof tiles.

After I started working, I had never excavated a site where ancient roof tiles were found, and about 20 years ago I also submitted a proposal for a project about the nunnery.

When the survey of the Bichu Kokubun-niji Temple Site was approved and I was appointed to oversee it, I found my proposal from 20 years earlier among the materials I received.

I was surprised, and it also made me feel the weight of my responsibility.

Survey and utilization of the Bichu Kokubun-niji Temple Site. It is a great responsibility, but I intend to see it through to the end.

From the Writer

The “Kibiji Historical Heritage” Appeal Promotion Project is entering its fifth year in fiscal 2024, and comprehensive surveys for preservation and utilization are underway.

The appeal promotion project is a long-term undertaking: comprehensive surveys are followed by site improvement projects, leading to full-scale utilization initiatives.

We hope to help preserve the value of this historical heritage and look forward to discovering new attractions.

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