Akita Prefecture
Ikenai site
Here (see link above) is a short article ("Jomon" Pioneers of Ancient Japan) published by a diplomatic journal, Japan Now (July/August 1999, p. 6) (see also June 1999 article in Trends in Japan). According to these articles, the Ikenai site contains saltwater fish bones dated to c. 5,000 BP, 31 miles from the present coast. The lack of certain bones indicated processing before transport to the site, i.e. a coast to inland trade. Seeds of various wild fruit were also found, and fermentation to produce alcohol has been suggested. Excavation was carried out by Akita Prefectural Cultural Assets Research Center.
Oyu Stone Circles
Two large circles (named Nonakado and Manza) and a number of other stone structures and ruins, estimated age 4,000 years BP, in Kazuno City. The circles were constructed with stones (1-2 meters in diameter or length) from the Akuya River, five to seven kilometres east. Many excavated artifacts may be viewed at the research center adjacent to the site.
CONTACT and COPYRIGHT
Dr Peter Matthews, National Museum of Ethnology, Senri Expo Park, Suita 565-8511, Japan. Tel. +81 (6) 6876-2151. Fax +81 (6) 6878-7503. Email: info (at-mark) researchco-op.co.nz
The layout of this site, and all texts by P. J. Matthews (PJM), are copyright of The Research Cooperative 2001-4 (all rights reserved). The copyright for original contributions (photos and texts) by other contributors (individuals or organisations) is retained by each contributor concerned. All material presented here may be copied for personal use and reference, and for teaching purposes.
Kazuno Cultural Property Preservation Center
Collection includes Jomon earthenware from local sites and archaeological literature. Located at 13 Manza, Towada Oyu Aza, Kazuno-city, Akita Pref., 018-5421
Tel. 0186-37-3822. Open: 9:00 - 16:30. Closed:Monday and New Year's Holiday (call for further details). No link found for the Center, but for information about Kazuno, see this city website: here
Akita Prefectural Cultural Assets Research Center
Carries out archaeological excavations in Akita. No website found, but information may be available from the City of Akita International Relations Section (Kokusai-koryu-ka). Address: 1-1-1 Sanno Akita 010-8560. Tel: 0188-66-2033. Fax: 0188-66-2278. E-Mail: ro-plmn@city.akita.akita.jp (Akita City has an excellent, multilingual official website).
