In the rolling hills of Japan, scattered across the countryside and urban landscapes, lie the mysterious remnants of an ancient civilisation — 古墳 (こふん). These massive burial mounds, shaped like keyholes, hold deep historical and cultural significance that dates back over a millennium. Though often overlooked by the untrained eye, kofun reveal fascinating details about Japan’s early political structures, its societal hierarchy, and its connection to the mythologies and traditions that still echo throughout modern Japan.
We’ll delve into the origins, oldest examples, locations, and significance of 古墳. It will explore their purposes, their importance in shaping modern Japan, and their connections to contemporary Japanese lineages, including famous rulers and politicians. Moreover, it will touch on the deeper meanings of 古墳, which continue to resonate in Japan’s modern cultural and political life.
The Origins of 古墳
The 古墳 period (roughly 250 to 538 AD) marks a transitional era in Japan’s history, bridging the gap between the 弥生 (やよい) period (300 BC–300 AD), known for its agricultural advances and the introduction of bronze and iron technology, and the 飛鳥時代（あすかじだい）(538–710 AD), which laid the foundations for Japan’s early statehood. The word 古墳 means ‘ancient tomb,’ and these burial mounds are some of the most enduring symbols of early Japanese society.
古墳 emerged as the burial practice of the emerging ruling elite during the formation of Japan’s first powerful clans. They evolved from the simpler, more modest tombs of earlier periods into the monumental earthen mounds that were increasingly more complex in design. Early 古墳 were primarily constructed for individuals of high status, likely clan leaders or powerful aristocrats, marking the beginning of a period of intense social stratification.
By the 5th century, the 古墳 burial mounds became grander, often including intricately designed moats, stone chambers, and ceremonial objects intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. This era was characterized by the rise of the ヤマト clan, which eventually became Japan’s ruling dynasty, laying the foundation for what would become the Imperial family.
What is a 古墳?
古墳 have changed over time, but typically it is a burial mound that tends to be in a keyhole shape or trapezoid / square shape. Inside would be a long wood coffin and ritual funerary goods, which comprised of bronze objects such as swords and mirrors.
The similar nature of the 古墳 that can be found across Japan spanning a few centuries points to the shared culture and traditions that Japan was building up towards, and also suggested a central political authority or zeitgeist. However, even the 古墳時代 is split up into early, middle and late stages, with the size and shape of 古墳 changing dramatically.
While the most common type are the round or square types, the most iconic 古墳 resemble a keyhole shape. These keyhole-shaped 古墳 also occupy rank 1st to 46th of the largest out of the 4 main types.
The funerary goods found in 古墳 changed over time, but suggested that the deceased entombed in 古墳 at this time were high-ranking members of Japanese society such as chieftains of the various regions. The large array of iron and bronze items, the prominent placement of items featuring gods and sacred animals around the coffin or burial pit and the increasing amount of weapons in the middle and late period also suggests a move to emphasising the military aspect of those buried.
The objects also suggest that shamanism featured heavily in these burial ceremonies.
The Oldest Examples of 古墳
The oldest examples of 古墳 are found in the 近畿 (きんき) region (the area surrounding modern-day Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara). The most iconic and well-preserved 古墳 sites are located in the Osaka Prefecture, particularly in the Sakai City area, as well as in parts of Nara Prefecture.
One of the most significant and largest 古墳 is the 大仙古墳 (だいせんこふん), also known as the 仁徳天皇陵 (にんとくてんのうりょうこふん). Located in Sakai, Osaka, it is the tomb of 仁徳天皇, who is said to have reigned in the 5th century. This 古墳 measures around 486 meters in length and is the largest ancient burial mound in Japan, and the third-largest in the world. It is an exceptional example of the keyhole-shaped 古墳 that is characteristic of this period — a design that consists of a circular mound and a rectangular extension, resembling a keyhole when viewed from above. It even features a moat which can be found at some other 古墳 as well.
While the identity of the individuals buried in these 古墳 is often disputed, the sheer scale and grandeur of these burial mounds point to their importance as symbols of power and authority. Some scholars suggest that these burial sites are dedicated to emperors or powerful clan chiefs, indicating their central role in the establishment of Japan’s early political structures.
Another notable 古墳 is the 箸墓古墳 (はしはかこふん) in 左京 (さきょう), Nara Prefecture, which is considered by some to be the earliest example of a keyhole-shaped 古墳. This tomb is believed to be the burial site of Queen 卑弥呼 (ひみこ), a semi-mythical figure mentioned in ancient Chinese historical texts who is believed to have ruled the 邪馬台国 (やまたいこく) during the 3rd century.
The Locations of Kofun
古墳 are scattered across Japan, with the majority concentrated in the 近畿 region (around Osaka and Nara), but they are also found in other areas like 九州, 四国, and parts of 本州. In total, there are an estimated 150,000 古墳 across Japan, with many of them still unexcavated.
There are even UNESCO World Heritage sites that are home to some of the largest and most well-preserved 古墳 in Japan. Some sites contain over 50 古墳, and demonstrate that the ruling elite in the 古墳時代 valued monumental burial structures.
The Purpose of 古墳
At the heart of the 古墳’s purpose is the burial of elite individuals, primarily from the early 大和時代. These burial mounds were designed to reflect the status and power of the individuals interred within them. 古墳 were often constructed for clan leaders, warriors, or imperial family members, indicating the shift toward a more hierarchical society.
There are several key purposes behind the construction of 古墳:
- Symbol of Power: The large and elaborate nature of 古墳 clearly indicated the high status of those buried within them. The scale of the mounds suggested that only a select few were considered important enough to warrant such a grand burial.
- Religious Significance: The 古墳 may have also had a spiritual function, reflecting the animistic and Shinto beliefs prevalent at the time. The objects buried with the deceased, such as weapons, mirrors, and jewelry, suggest a belief in the afterlife and the need for protection or sustenance in the next world.
- Connection to Ancestors: The 古墳 may have been designed to provide a direct link between the deceased and their descendants, ensuring that the power and influence of the family would endure across generations. The importance of ancestral spirits in Shinto practices and Japanese culture suggests that these tombs served as sacred places of veneration.
- Political Legitimation: For the ruling elites, the 古墳 was also a means of legitimising political authority. By associating themselves with grand, lasting monuments, rulers could assert their supremacy and divine right to rule, much like the pharaohs of Egypt or the emperors of China.
The Deeper Meaning of 古墳
Beyond their physical and political significance, 古墳 represent something deeper in Japanese culture: the continuity and legacy of the ruling families that once inhabited them. These ancient burial mounds serve as markers of Japan’s historical identity, connecting modern Japan with its ancient roots.
The 古墳時代 is considered one of the earliest moments of state formation in Japan. The Yamato clan, which became the central political force of the 古墳 period, eventually gave rise to the Japanese Imperial family. The continuing dynastic rule of the Japanese Imperial family is a direct link between the 古墳時代 and modern-day Japan. The current emperor, Emperor Naruhito, is believed to be the 126th descendant of the Yamato dynasty, which has reigned uninterrupted for over 1,500 years.
古墳 and Modern-Day Japan
The legacy of 古墳 extends beyond history into the present day, particularly through the modern political and royal lineages of Japan. The Japanese Imperial family, one of the oldest continuous hereditary monarchies in the world, traces its lineage directly back to the early 古墳 period. The historical and cultural reverence associated with 古墳 has persisted, providing a sense of continuity and stability for Japan’s royal family.
In modern times, politicians and business leaders often draw upon Japan’s historical legacy for legitimacy and influence. The Yamato family, while symbolic in modern Japan, still holds immense cultural significance. The reverence for their ancestral tombs and the respect given to the imperial family are reminders of Japan’s deep-rooted respect for history, ancestry, and continuity.
Continuing on
The ancient 古墳 burial mounds, though often overshadowed by more recent historical developments, are a profound testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage. These burial mounds represent more than just the resting places of ancient elites; they serve as monuments to Japan’s earliest forms of statehood and political power. Their significance continues to resonate in modern Japan, connecting the country’s past to its present through the uninterrupted lineage of the Yamato clan.
As we continue to uncover the mysteries of these ancient tombs, we gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s early civilization and its lasting impact on the country’s identity, culture, and politics. The kofun remain not only as physical structures but also as cultural symbols that remind us of the enduring power of history in shaping the modern world.
If you enjoy my articles, please consider purchasing some items from my Etsy store that you can access via the Shop tab. If you go through that tab, it will automatically apply a coupon.
