The document discusses two hypotheses about the location of the ancient Yamatai kingdom described in Chinese records from the 3rd century: the Kyushu theory and the Kinki theory. The Kyushu theory argues Yamatai was located in Kyushu based on geographic proximity to China and archaeological remains, while the Kinki theory believes it was located in the Kinki region based on distances described and the large Hashihaka tumulus. The document examines archaeological evidence like gold seals and mirrors found across Kyushu and Kinki that could relate to gifts described being given to Yamatai's rulers. It ultimately suggests the Kinki theory is more reasonable but debate continues due to Yamatai's relation to early Japanese imperial family

1. Yamatai kingdom
2013/01/04
Hitoshi SHIMIZU

2. Why I chose this topic
 I’d like to introduce a story of the origin of the Japanese
nation
 I’m interested in the location of Yamatai kingdom
 I like the ancient Japanese history

3. About Yamatai Kingdom
 The book “Gishi-wajin-den” (the Wei Chih, a Chinese Chronicles
in the 3rd century)
 The oldest written text about Japan
 described the route from China to Yamatai
 Traceable part of the way (but the final destination is the ocean)
 Last (& Important) part is open to interpretation
Korea
Kinki
Traceable
Kinki Theory
Kyushu Theory
Kyushu

4. Two hypotheses
Kyushu theory Kinki theory
the geographic proximity of the center of political power after
Geography
Kyushu to China the Yamatai
Gishi-wajin-den consistent in the direction consistent in the distance
There are some large scale There is a tumulus whose size &
Remains habitations time fit the description
(Yoshinogari, etc) (Hashihaka)
Sankaku-buchi
Few Many
Shinjukyo mirrors
The cradle land of the emperor’s The capital of Japan in this era
Kojiki
family located in Kinki

5. Attracting points of Yamatai (1)
 Gold Seal (National Treasure)
 Found in 1784 at
Shikanoshima
in Fukuoka Prefecture
 Sent from Chinese Emperor to Japanese King (57 AD)
 the similar seal was sent to Yamatai Kingdom
 Sankaku-buchi Shinjukyo mirrors
 Sent from Chinese Emperor to Japanese Queen
 Made in the same period described
in the Wei Chih
 Found in a wide area from Kyushu to Kanto
(mainly in Kinki)

6. Attracting points of Yamatai (2)
 Himiko
 Described in the Wei Chih
 Hashihaka tumulus
 Relation to Yamato regime
 Kojiki
 Established in 712
 Amaterasu = The emperor’s first ancestor
 Amaterasu = Himiko ?
 One mythology seems to be
related to Solar eclipse
-> Calculation of eclipse can identify
the time of Himiko’s era

7. My guess & opinion
 Kinki theory seems to be reasonable
 Why the discussion is endless
 Relation to the Emperor family
 Local development

8. (Appendix) Books related to Yamatai
 We understand so far
about Yamatai Kingdom
 Where is Yamatai Kingdom ?
(KUJIRA Tohichirou)
 Hinotori (TEZUKA Osamu)