The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun group of ancient tombs in Osaka have been judged appropriate to be added to the World Cultural Heritage list. These consist of a total of 49 huge tombs that were built between the latter-half of the fourth century and the latter-half of the fifth century. Among them Emperor Nintoku’s tomb is one of the world’s largest of its type, along with the First Qin (China) Emperor’s and Egyptian King Khufu’s tombs. It is said that back in the day, the surface was covered in stones, but now with trees growing all over it, it almost looks like a forest. The unique keyhole-shaped tomb mound is called “zenpou kouenfun,” and the reason why it’s shaped this way has become the subject of many studies. Near the Emperor Nintoku’s tomb there are two big tombs that are said to belong to his sons. Just as with the pyramids, these three lined up together are quite awe inspiring. In those days the sea was close to them and it is said that the intention was to demonstrate how civilized Japan was to foreign visitors arriving by sea. Among the 49 tombs including the Nintoku Emperor ’s tomb, 29 are managed by the Imperial Household Agency, as they are tombs of past Emperors, Empresses, and other members of the royal family. The Imperial Household Agency has a duty to protect the dignity of its ancestors and ensure that they rest in peace. Because of that an excavation survey has not been carried out. So actually it is not certain who is buried in these tombs.
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