In the latter half of the 3rd century, huge tombs called “kofun” appeared in the Japanese Archipelago. This was a landmark event symbolizing the emergence of powerful kingship. Let us examine the beginning of the Kofun Period.
Basic Knowledge
The Kofun Period lasted approximately 400 years, from the latter half of the 3rd century to around the 7th century. Kofun were tombs for rulers, and keyhole-shaped tombs developed especially as a uniquely Japanese burial form.
There were several types of kofun:
・Keyhole-shaped tomb: Keyhole-shaped, with the highest status
・Round tomb: Circular kofun
・Square tomb: Square kofun
・Square-front, square-back tomb: Both the front and back sections are square
・Scallop-shell-shaped tomb: Has a short front section
The Kofun Period is divided into the early period (latter half of the 3rd century–4th century), middle period (5th century), and late period (6th–7th centuries). From the early to middle period, kofun grew larger. The Daisenryo Tumulus (Nintoku's Tomb) in Sakai, Osaka, built in the 5th century, has a mound length of 486 m and is the largest in Japan and among the largest in the world.
Hashihaka Tumulus (Nara) Latter half of the 3rd century, one of the oldest keyhole-shaped tombs, candidate for Himiko's tomb
Daisenryo Tumulus (Osaka, Sakai) 5th century, mound length 486 m, Nintoku's Tomb, largest in Japan
Konda Gobyoyama Tumulus (Osaka, Habikino) 5th century, mound length 425 m, Ojin's Tomb
Takamatsuzuka Tumulus (Nara) Late 7th century, famous for vividly colored murals
Kitora Tumulus (Nara) Late 7th century, images of the Four Guardian Gods and an astronomical chart
Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun Registered as a World Heritage Site in 2019 (Osaka Prefecture)
Further Study (Background and Impact)
The emergence of kofun indicates the rise of powerful kingship because enormous labor and organizational power were needed to build huge tombs. It is estimated that construction of the Daisenryo Tumulus required more than 15 years and a workforce of 2,000 people per day. A king capable of mobilizing so many people must have possessed tremendous power.
Keyhole-shaped tombs are distributed throughout the country, from southern Tohoku in the north to southern Kyushu in the south, with the Kinki region at the center. It is thought that building a tomb of the same keyhole-shaped form indicated an alliance with the Yamato government.
Haniwa were placed on the surfaces of kofun. Haniwa were unglazed clay figures, including cylindrical haniwa, the most common type, and figurative haniwa depicting people, horses, houses, and boats. They are thought to have protected the soul of the deceased and recreated life during the person's lifetime.
In 2019, the Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun in Osaka Prefecture was registered as a World Heritage Site. It includes 49 kofun, including the Daisenryo Tumulus.
- Kofun Period = approximately 400 years, latter half of the 3rd century–7th century
- Keyhole-shaped tomb = keyhole form, highest-status and uniquely Japanese burial form
- Daisenryo Tumulus (Sakai, Osaka; Nintoku's Tomb) = mound length 486 m, largest in Japan
- Hashihaka Tumulus (Nara) = one of the oldest, candidate for Himiko's tomb
- Haniwa = clay figures placed on the surfaces of kofun
- Cylindrical and figurative haniwa (people, horses, houses, boats)
- 2019: Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun registered as a World Heritage Site
Points to Note (Easily Confused)
① The Daisenryo Tumulus and Nintoku's Tomb are the same tomb. It is also called the Daisen Tumulus or Nintoku Tumulus. ② In a keyhole-shaped tomb, “front” refers to the square section and “back” to the round section. This is not the reverse of the usual front-and-back sense. ③ Never confuse haniwa (Kofun Period) with dogu (Jomon Period). ④ It is difficult to identify the occupants of kofun specifically as emperors. The identification of the Daisenryo Tumulus as Nintoku's Tomb is the view of the Imperial Household Agency and is archaeologically unconfirmed. ⑤ The end of the Kofun Period is marked in part by the Taika Reform and the Edict on Burial Restrictions of 646.
Practice
- State the name, location, and mound length of Japan's largest kofun.
- What are the clay figures placed on the surfaces of kofun called?
- State the name of the Osaka kofun group registered as a World Heritage Site in 2019.