Publications
Human Response to Postglacial Sea Level Change in Jomon Prehistoric Sites Around Lake Ogawara, Northern Japan
Jomon populations in northern Japan adapted dynamically to postglacial sea-level changes, sustaining their culture through shifts in settlement and resource exploitation. The study reveals that rising sea levels between 10–8 ka created favorable shellfish habitats along Lake Ogawara's shores, prompting the formation of shell middens. As water shallowed after 7 ka, human habitation moved to southern shores where tidal flats persisted. By 5–4 ka, reduced salinity expanded freshwater wetlands, leading Jomon people to exploit brackish clams or relocate northward. This research demonstrates how geomorphological changes influenced human adaptation, offering insights into the resilience of prehistoric societies.
A study on transmission of World Heritage values in Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
A study on the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan reveals that efforts to transmit Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) through exhibitions and hands-on learning are unevenly effective. The research analyzed three transmission approaches—explanatory panels at outdoor interpretation facilities, guidance facilities, and interactive learning—to assess whether they successfully convey the sites' significance. Findings indicate a disparity in how well OUV is transmitted across these methods, suggesting that integrating information from explanatory boards with hands-on experiences could enhance visitor understanding of archaeological remains. This insight is critical for improving heritage site communication strategies.
Sanai Maruyama site during prehistoric period in Japan(Between Origin, Reality and Hope )
The Sanai Maruyama site, dating to the Middle Jomon period (3500–2000 BC), offers significant insights into Japan's prehistoric civilization. Archaeological excavations uncovered a rich assemblage of artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, clay figures, jade jewelry, and marine bone remains, alongside dwelling, storage, and tomb pits, as well as structural reinforcement columns. These findings highlight the advanced societal organization, technological sophistication, and subsistence practices of Jomon communities during this era. The site's recognition as a special national treasure (2000) and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan (2021) underscores its global importance. This study combines archaeological analysis with material culture examination to reconstruct the cultural landscape and social dynamics of the Middle Jomon phase, bridging gaps between origin narratives, empirical evidence, and historical interpretation.
Portable-XRF Analysis of Archaeological Obsidian from Rebun Island, Japan
Archaeological excavations on Rebun Island, Japan, reveal that obsidian—a material not found naturally on the island—was used continuously from the Middle Jomon period (5400–4300 cal. YBP) through to the Okhotsk period (1500–750 YBP). This suggests significant long-distance trade or transportation of raw materials and tools, a pattern consistent with broader prehistoric lithic industries in northeast Asia. To trace the origins of this obsidian, researchers employed portable-XRF analysis on artifacts from three sites: Uedomari 3, Kafukai 1, and Hamanaka 2. The findings promise to illuminate shifts in resource procurement and distribution among hunter-gatherer communities during these periods, offering new insights into the economic and cultural dynamics of prehistoric Northern Japan.
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