Takashi Hirao 
Jomon Pottery with Water Smoke Patterns, Featuring Intricate Curved Designs on the Upper Section (Courtesy of Shakado Museum of Jomon Culture)
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The Jomon period in ancient Japan lasted from approximately 14,000 BCE to 300 BCE. It marks a prehistoric era in Japan renowned for its exceptional and sophisticated culture. This period derives its name from the distinctive "Jomon" pottery style, characterized by intricate cord-marked patterns made by pressing ropes or other materials into the clay.
Primarily hunter-gatherers, the Jomon people lived in small, semi-permanent settlements. Archaeologists recognize them as one of the earliest societies in the world to create pottery, with some of their vessels among the oldest ever discovered.
During the Middle Jomon period, some 5,000 years ago, Yamanashi Prefecture's Kofu Basin and Nagano Prefecture's Yatsugatake foothills were among Japan's most populous and culturally flourishing regions. Although archaeologists have long known this, it remains largely unknown to the public.
To address this, former officials from Yamanashi Prefecture's cultural heritage departments have established a general incorporated association. Their goal is to promote the region's distinctive pottery and other lesser-known aspects of Jomon culture.
Interest in Japan's unique Jomon culture is growing internationally, raising expectations for new opportunities in tourism.
A Fantastic Start
For its inaugural event, the Jomon Culture Promotion Council held a symposium on January 25 at the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Literature in Kofu City. In his keynote speech, Masanori Aoyagi, former Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, highlighted the artistic brilliance of Jomon pottery unearthed in Yamanashi and Nagano. "Many Jomon pottery pieces from this region feature stunning and intricate decorations," he stated. "They represent a cultural achievement that remains globally relevant even today."
Karoku Miwa, the first director of the Kyushu National Museum, noted, "In Japan, many associate Jomon culture with the famous Sannai-Maruyama site in the Tohoku region. However, the cultural significance of Yamanashi and Nagano's Jomon heritage has not been properly recognized."
With a full house of 450 attendees, the venue was bustling, and even the parking lot reached capacity, forcing some to turn away. Participants shared their enthusiasm, saying, "I discovered a new charm in my hometown," and "I want to learn more about Jomon culture." The council's representative director, Koushou Nagasawa, was pleasantly surprised, saying, "I never expected this level of participation — It's a fantastic start."
A Culture Rooted in Prayer
Jomon pottery excavated from the central highlands of Yamanashi and Nagano is regarded as exceptionally artistic, even by global standards. Contemporary pottery from Mesopotamia and Egypt was primarily adorned with painted designs, and most Jomon pottery across Japan featured coiled clay decorations.
However, this region pioneered distinctive hollow three-dimensional designs. Characterized by large, hollow handles and intricate structures, these creations showcase a remarkable level of craftsmanship and innovation.
Among these, Water Smoke Pottery stands out for its elegantly curved, three-dimensional patterns adorning the rim. Childbirth Pottery is equally remarkable, featuring a mother's face on the rim and a fetus's face on the body, making it a uniquely expressive form of artistry.
According to Nagasawa, these were not every day cooking utensils. These were objects used in spiritual practices — offerings to the spirits and nature. The region's rich environment, abundant with acorns, nuts, deer, and boars, allowed for stable settlement. Archaeologists believe that the desire to maintain this way of life led to artistic and spiritual developments.
Potential for International Tourism
Despite their cultural significance, few people outside of archaeological circles and dedicated enthusiasts know about these artifacts. Nagasawa explained the driving force behind establishing the council. "As archaeologists, we have a responsibility to preserve and share this history with the wider public," he claimed.
Interest in Jomon culture is growing among international visitors to Japan. Many foreign tourists now explore museums and archaeological sites in Tohoku and Hokkaido. The council seeks to bring Yamanashi and Nagano into this movement. It aims to showcase their distinctive and highly artistic Jomon pottery to unlock new opportunities for Jomon tourism.
RELATED:
- Hokkaido: Embracing and Defending the Jomon Heart of Japan
- EDITORIAL | Work Has Just Started to Preserve the Sites of Japan's Earliest Historical Era
Author: Takashi Hirao, The Sankei Shimbun
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