Newsfrom Japan

Sakai, Osaka Pref., Nov. 22 (Jiji Press)--A stone pavement has been discovered at the inner dike enclosing Daisen Kofun, Japan's largest tumulus, located in the city of Sakai in the western prefecture of Osaka, the Imperial Household Agency said Thursday.

It is rare for a stone-paved area to be found on a flat part of such a dike, according to the agency, which manages the keyhole-shaped burial mound as the tomb of Emperor Nintoku.

The stone pavement was found during a survey of the dike, aimed at collecting information needed for preserving the 486-meter-long tumulus, which is believed to have been built between the late fourth century and the late fifth century.

The discovery of a stone pavement was the first in the Mozu-Furuichi tumulus clusters, including Daisen Kofun. The Japanese government decided in January to propose the group of tumuli for addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The survey has also found a single line of "haniwa" clay objects. Usually, there are two haniwa lines at other tumuli in the country.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]