Lecture Notes: The Daisenryô Tomb and Emperor Nintoku

Introduction

• Topic: The Daisenryô, tomb attributed to Emperor Nintoku of Japan
• Context: Largest tomb in Japan, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019
• Overview: Discussion on its structure, history, and significance

Key Facts about Daisenryô

• Type of Tomb: Kofun (Japanese term for "ancient tumulus")
  • Meaning: Artificial hill-shaped tomb
  • Shape: Keyhole shape (coincidental)
    • Japanese term: Zenpôkôenfun (circular rear, quadrangular front)
• Historical Context:
  • Constructed for significant figures between the 3rd and 7th centuries CE
  • Approximately 160,000 kofun known in Japan, marking the Kofun period
• Significance:
  • Largest kofun in Japan and among the three largest tombs in the world
  • Other notable tombs: Great Pyramid of Cheops, Tomb of the First Emperor of China

Dimensions and Construction

• Location: Sakai, Osaka Plain
• Tomb Details:
  • Length: 486 m, Height: 35 m
  • Length with moat: 840 m
  • Construction: Estimated 15 years and 8 months with 2000 men daily
• Surrounding Kofun:
  • 90 kofun in the Osaka Plain; 49 classified as World Heritage
  • Divided into Mozu’s group and Furuichi’s group
    • Furuichi: oldest kofun group (from 350 CE)
    • Mozu: inaugurated by Nintoku's kofun (about 400 CE)

Notable Kofun in the Area

• Kofun attributed to Emperor Ôjin: Length 425 m, Height 36 m
• Kofun attributed to Emperor Richû: Length 365 m
• Alignment: Tombs visible from the sea, important for visitors from other regions

Architectural Features of the Daisenryô

• Structure: Zenpôkôenfun with circular and quadrangular sections
• Moats: Unique feature - only known kofun with a triple moat
• Materials: Layers of rammed earth, covered in pebbles for stability
• Haniwa: Clay figurines placed on and around the kofun; 20,000 estimated cylindrical haniwa found

Historical Context of Emperor Nintoku

• Identity: Known only from later texts (Kojiki, Nihon Shoki) written 300 years posthumously
  • Posthumous name: Nintoku, real name Oho-sazaki
• Reign: Controversial details; possibly a legendary figure due to the lack of contemporary records
• Achievements:
  • Remembered as wise, caring for his people
  • Significant developments in infrastructure (canals, roads, ports)
  • Diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms (Korea)
• Personal Life:
  • Conflicts with half-brother, marital issues with empress and concubines
  • Notable act of depriving himself of taxes for the welfare of his subjects

Conclusion

• Cultural Impact: Daisenryô symbolizes the power and divine elevation of Emperor Nintoku
• Heritage: Significant monument reflecting the early development of the Yamato kingdom

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Notes prepared for study purposes, summarizing key aspects of the lecture on the Daisenryô and Emperor Nintoku.