[/floatr]Yomiuri: Imperial tombs open for research
In an effort to aid research into the nation's ancient history, the Imperial Household Agency has started to allow a range of academic organizations to visit Imperial tombs previously off-limits to the public. Though a number of restrictions will remain on such visits, it is hoped full-scale study of the tombs will help shed light on key events behind the foundation of the country. In July 2005, 15 historical organizations, including the Japanese Archaeological Association, asked the agency's Archives and Mausolea Department for permission to inspect 11 Imperial tombs, including Emperor Nintoku's mausoleum (Oyama tumulus) in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture. The agency notified the Japanese Archaeological Association in December that from Monday one member from each organization would be allowed to enter the flat first section of the burial mound. Until now, the Imperial Household Agency has refused entry to Imperial tombs, maintaining that it has to protect the repose and tranquillity of the Imperial souls...Some have argued that many burial mounds have been wrongly designated as Imperial tombs. Clues unearthed by the researchers on the construction of the mounds could therefore lead to debate on the identities of those buried in the tombs.
