Archaeology is the study of the histories and cultures of humankind, centered on analyses of material resources like historic ruins and relics. This course’s didactic and research focus is Japanese archaeology, taking advantage of the university’s geographical location in the Kinki region, which has been home to various capitals throughout Japanese history. Annual field surveys are a major feature of the course. In recent years, students have participated in excavation surveys of keyhole-shaped tombs from the Kofun era and kilns from the Heian period.

Faculty members and graduate students eagerly engage in overseas archaeological surveys and comparative studies with other countries, working on various questions relating to Japanese archaeology from a broad perspective. While the department is small, with only two full-time staff members, the faculty is always buzzing.

Of course, students who major in archaeology do not always go on to become archaeologists. The four years students spend on the course thinking about the development of human cultures over long periods and “getting their hands dirty” as they dig through ruins will benefit their futures, no matter what path they end up taking.

Based on the invaluable experience of their university study, some alumni have gone on to become professional archaeologists working on the frontline of excavations, while others have moved into a variety of disciplines, including curation, education, civil service, journalism, and business.

website: http://www.let.osaka-u.ac.jp/kouko/index.html

Professors

FUKUNAGA, Shinya (Ph.D.)

Japanese Archaeology; Mortuary Practices, Political History in Kofun Period, Ancient Bronze Mirrors

TAKAHASHI, Teruhiko (Ph.D.)

Japanese Archaeology; Manual Industry, Cultural Exchanges in Nara and Heian Period, Ancient Pottery and Ceramic