A National First and Its Academic Significance
Tsushima attracted considerable academic attention because it was the first site in Japan where an early Yayoi-period settlement and rice paddies were discovered side by side. The settlement was built on slightly elevated ground, while small rice fields measuring approximately 3–5 ares (300–500 square meters) were cultivated in the surrounding wetlands.
Researchers discovered rice pollen and seeds from weeds commonly found in rice paddies, confirming that the original paddy soil had been preserved. These findings provide important evidence for understanding the development of rice cultivation and agricultural life in Japan during the Yayoi period.
Evidence of Different Rice-Field Designs
More recent archaeological investigations have revealed extensive areas of early Yayoi-period rice paddies divided by raised field boundaries, distinct from the paddies discovered in earlier excavations. This suggests that several different types of rice-field layouts may have existed simultaneously during the early Yayoi period.
Numerous wooden artifacts were also recovered from the remains of a river dating to the late Yayoi period. These included structural components from buildings, offering further clues about the construction techniques and everyday activities of the people who lived here.
Historic Designation and Archaeological Excavations
Part of the Tsushima Archaeological Site was designated a National Historic Site in January 1971. In 2002, the settlement and rice-field areas were added to the designated site. Before redevelopment work at the Okayama Prefectural General Sports Ground, further excavations were carried out in 2005, uncovering additional remains, including structural timbers from raised-floor buildings dating to the late Yayoi period.
Preservation and site development were completed in March 2009. Today, reconstructed pit dwellings, raised-floor buildings, wetlands, and rice paddies allow visitors to explore a landscape inspired by the area’s ancient past.
Tsushima Yayoi Plaza
Tsushima Yayoi Plaza opened in April 2009 and recreates aspects of the landscape of the early Yayoi period based on archaeological research. Visitors can see reconstructed pit dwellings, post-built structures, and raised-floor granaries, gaining a sense of how people lived and stored their food thousands of years ago.
The original archaeological remains extend approximately three meters below the present ground surface. The plaza provides an accessible outdoor space where visitors can learn about the site and experience a reconstruction of its ancient environment.
Highlights of Tsushima Yayoi Plaza
Pit Dwellings: Reconstructed homes illustrate the type of housing used during the Yayoi period. Visitors can also look inside to learn more about their structure and layout.
Raised-Floor Granaries: These reconstructed buildings demonstrate how grain may have been stored above ground, offering insight into food preservation and the agricultural practices of the period.
Rice Paddies and Wetlands: Recreated fields and wetland environments help visitors visualize the agricultural landscape surrounding the ancient settlement.
Ruins and Sports Museum
Artifacts excavated at Tsushima are displayed at the Ruins and Sports Museum, located inside the main grandstand of the Okayama Prefectural General Sports Ground’s athletics stadium. The museum introduces the archaeological significance of the site while also celebrating the achievements of athletes from Okayama Prefecture.
Archaeological Exhibits
The museum displays a variety of artifacts dating from the Jomon period through the Kamakura period. These objects offer a glimpse into the daily lives, tools, and cultural practices of people who lived in the region across many centuries.
Exhibits on Kinue Hitomi
A dedicated exhibit introduces the life and achievements of Kinue Hitomi, who won Japan’s first Olympic medal by a woman at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Her accomplishments marked an important milestone in the history of Japanese women’s athletics.
Exhibits on Yuko Arimori
The museum also highlights the career of Yuko Arimori, the Japanese long-distance runner who achieved notable success at the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games. These displays connect the region’s ancient history with its more recent sporting heritage.
Museum Design
The museum’s design was supervised by Eiji Mitooka and combines traditional Japanese materials with a contemporary aesthetic. The result is a modern space that evokes the understated beauty of Japanese design while providing an inviting setting for archaeological and sporting exhibits.
Displays include building materials and everyday objects recovered during excavations, helping visitors understand how archaeological discoveries reveal the lives of people in the past.
Hands-On Displays and Special Exhibitions
In addition to artifacts from the Yayoi through Kamakura periods, the museum offers opportunities to handle and examine authentic pottery and stone tools. A reconstructed stratigraphic display illustrates how artifacts were buried within the layers of soil, helping visitors understand the archaeological context in which they were found.
Exhibits on Everyday Life in the Yayoi Period
In April 2015, the museum renewed part of its exhibition with a stronger focus on everyday objects from the Yayoi period. Agricultural tools, eating utensils, and other household items help visitors develop a deeper understanding of the daily routines and material culture of ancient communities.