Who is the Emperor Sleeping in the World’s Largest Burial Site?

“Mr. X” buried in Emperor NINTOKU’s Grave

Did you know that Japan has the world's largest burial site that has a ground size larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and the Imperial Mausoleum of Shih-Huang-Ti in China? It is situated in Sakai-city, Osaka-fu. It is also known as the "ancient Daisenryou site," which, according to the archaeological world, is believed to have been built in the 4th century. And it has long been said that it is the burial site of Nintoku (313~399), the 16th Emperor.

By interpreting Emperor Nintoku?s name, we can see the characters "nin" (meaning heartwarming) and "toku" (meaning virtue), and it is easy to see why so many anecdotes about him have been left. Before Emperor Nintoku ascended the throne, local ruling families imposed heavy taxes on the people, creating such poverty that not even smoke from peoples' cooking could be seen. However, after he took the throne, Nintoku didn't impose any taxes on the people for three years. Consequently, smoke began to be seen rising from peoples' houses, indicating that they had food to eat. Later, in order to build roads and bridges and to begin flood prevention work, the Emperor again did not impose taxes for another three years.

Emperor Nintoku placed priority on furthering people's lives, saying "The Emperor governs the country for the people. That the people are poor means I am poor." These descriptions can be read in Japan's oldest books, "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki" completed in the early part of the 8th century. However, through recent studies carried out by scholars, more people are coming to believe in the theory that it is not Emperor Nintoku who is buried in this huge tomb.

The burial artifacts indicate connection to Korean Peninsula
In ancient times, burial sites were just a hill, but during this period, all of a sudden, huge burial sites called "Zenpo koen-fun (keyhole-shaped)' tombs" began to be built. Why? The 4th century period when these Imperial mausoleums were built is called the "Mysterious 4th century" and archeological data is scant for this period. But many scholars believe that during this period, a new influential power emerged, the rulers of which felt a need to build such gigantic sites to show their power to the people of Japan.

Among the scholars, "A Theory - Dynasty Conquered by Horse Riding Force" released by Mr. EGAMI Namio in 1948, created a deep impact in Japan. His hypothesis was that these horse riding explorers living on the Eurasian continent at that time spread to Japan through the Korean Peninsula and created the dynasty. Many burial objects have been discovered to prove this theory. In the Meiji era, mirrors and swords accidentally uncovered from Emperor Nintoku's burial site by a flood were found to be similar to those discovered on the Korean Peninsula.

If this and burial sites of other Japanese Emperors could be excavated, there may well be a strong possibility that the finds could shake long-held views of Japanese history to the core. For Japan's Imperial family, which has reigned over the nation as legitimate rulers through an unbroken line of Emperors, any new discoveries could potentially become an "inconvenient truth." However, it is not possible to excavate them as they are revered burial sites of past Emperors. Who on earth sleeps in the world's largest burial site? The taboo surrounding this mystery will ensure the answer is buried forever.

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