In Takatsuki, Osaka, the 15th Kofun Fes Hanicotto festival held in November at Imashirozuka Burial Mound Park featured cute merchandise inspired by haniwa clay figures and ancient tombs, captivating young people and families. The event blends historical artifacts with contemporary pop culture to revive interest in Japan's ancient past.
The Imashirozuka burial mound in Takatsuki, Osaka, is a 181-meter-long keyhole-shaped kofun built in the first half of the sixth century, believed to be the tomb of Emperor Keitai. Excavations at the park have uncovered about 190 haniwa clay figures, including those shaped like people, houses, and long swords. The site, operated by the city government, serves as a relaxing spot for locals.
Rie Maki, a 45-year-old handmade accessory artist, moved to a nearby home about 20 years ago and became fascinated by the area's ancient connections during walks with her daughter. Inspired by the city's opening of the park in 2011, she organized the first Hanicotto festival the following year in collaboration with local authorities. The name combines 'haniwa' and 'mascot,' featuring stylized, cute versions of the artifacts in accessories and goods.
The inaugural event drew around 3,000 visitors, but the 15th edition in November attracted about 39,000 in a single day. Set against the massive mound, the festival included a music stage and stalls with haniwa-inspired items and keyhole-shaped tomb merchandise, merging ancient history with modern vibes.
A 42-year-old woman from Osaka City, attending for the first time, said cheerfully, "The haniwa’s facial expressions are really pop." Most attendees were young women and families, differing from past archaeology booms like the 1972 discovery of wall paintings in Takamatsuzuka Tumulus in Nara or the 1989 Yoshinogari Ruins find in Saga, which mainly excited middle-aged and elderly locals.
Junya Sakurai, professor emeritus at Shobi University and an archaeology expert, attributes the surge to Japan's 'kawaii' boom since the early 2000s and the popularity of yurukyara mascots, which have personified and stylized kofun elements. He notes this merchandise-driven phenomenon fosters deeper interest, with young fans appearing at excavation site sessions.
For Maki, the space surrounded by rounded sculptures offers a tangible link to history. "This is a relaxing space," she said. The park is a 25-minute walk from JR Settsu-Tonda Station, or a short bus ride to nearby stops. The adjacent Imashirozuka Ancient History Museum is free, closed Mondays or the following day if a holiday.