Society

Japan eyes excavation of ancient Daisen Kofun tomb mound in Osaka

Oct 12 (Japan Times) - The Imperial Household Agency is considering excavating Daisen Kofun in Osaka Prefecture, the country’s largest ancient burial mound, in a conservation project that could begin around next fall, sources close to the plan said Saturday.

The tomb mound in Sakai, dating back to around the middle of the 5th century, is under control of the agency as the mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku, while academic debate continues over who was actually buried there.

If the planned re-excavation project is carried out, it would be the first digging since an ancient burial complex comprising 49 tombs including Daisen Kofun was added to the World Heritage list in 2019, the sources said.

Nozomi Shinkansen to Reduce Non-Reserved Seats

JR Central and JR West plan to reduce the number of non-reserved seats on the Nozomi Shinkansen, operating on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines, starting next spring, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Gold Smuggling Hits Record High in Japan

Gold smuggling into Japan has reached unprecedented levels, with smugglers employing increasingly ingenious methods to evade detection. Customs officials have uncovered gold hidden in wigs, the tips of golf clubs, and even within luggage cart components.

Japan’s Michibiki Satellite System to Revolutionize Navigation

The latest model of Japan’s quasi-zenith satellite system, Michibiki, often referred to as the Japanese version of GPS, has been unveiled.

'Digital Human' Revealed at Kansai Expo

Digital human technology, set to be featured in a pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo next April, was unveiled by media artist Yoichi Ochiai.

Perovskite Solar Cells to Become Available in Two to Three Years

A Japanese researcher behind the development of next-generation 'perovskite solar cells' expressed confidence that the product will be available to the public within two to three years.

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Trespasser Breaks Into Over 1,000 Properties for the Thrill

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Touchless Harassment: Man Arrested for Sniffing Schoolgirl's Hair

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Hyogo Festival Celebrates Multiculturalism

The 'Itami Madan' festival promoting multicultural harmony across national boundaries was held on Saturday in Itami, Hyogo Prefecture, featuring the 'janggu,' a traditional Korean drum.

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