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such as the tensions in rescue archaeology, the creation of misleading historical reconstructions, and the promotion of nationalist narratives (In 2006 "Archaeology, Society and Identity in Modern Japan").

Great question! It was a poor word choice, but there are 2 points that I didn't have space to address. First, as you said, it's engaged in the debates about the location of Yamatai. The other surrounds contemporary issues that Koji Mizoguchi discusses....

Thanks for the share, friend <3

Thank you for reading! I wish I had more to offer you than a response to a video. If you want similar-themed content, I recommend my dear friend @noxon.bsky.social

I understand that English-language scholarship on the Kofun period can be less accessible than content on social media. So I appreciate the attempt, but the framing lacked care. I hope these issues are addressed thoughtfully and without harassment. I’m happy to talk, consult, or share sources.

Finally, Yayoi communities were not nomadic. The period is associated with increasingly sedentary agricultural communities, the expansion of wet-rice cultivation, and migration and cultural exchange from East Asia. While some consider it controversial, Yoshinogari is a good visual resource.

The video would benefit from a broader account of Kofun-period politics. Shamanism is part of it, but prevailing narratives emphasize shifting elite ideologies, regional polities, and the consolidation of authority that gave way to state formation. Barnes and Mizoguchi offer good starting points.

Regarding restrictions: Kofun designated as imperial mausolea make up a fraction of the total number of kofun. The Imperial Household Agency restricts access as they are attributed to the imperial line (discussed by Kidder 2007). Most kofun are investigated under Japan’s cultural-property system.

Stone coffins were not limited to a specific region nor rare. Their distribution reflects changing funerary practices and connections among emerging elites. A 2023 review brings together approximately 4,000 reported examples, although it does not necessarily represent the number still intact today.

Haniwa were not exclusively figural. The earliest forms were cylindrical and developed from practices associated with the late Yayoi period. Representational haniwa appeared later in the Kofun period. I produced a Twitter series in 2000, “Haniwa Helper,” sharing existing archaeological literature.

First, kofun are regularly excavated around Japan. In fact, there was one in Nagano this year. The Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties provides access to hundreds of reports, though considerably more are in Japanese than in English. There are no blanket restrictions on kofun.

The response below offers corrections and resources. I hope it is received in the constructive spirit intended. Japanese archaeology is close to my heart, and I am glad to see it reach a wider audience. Still, the video contains inaccuracies, and I am concerned that it is misleading viewers.

It takes a lot to rouse me from the deep depression of the past year. Apparently, misrepresenting Japanese archaeology will do it...rivaled only by deleting comments, which I’ll share the gist of below. Who knows? Maybe this has incited me to finally start creating content again.

I’ve been quiet this past year, mostly because of the thesis grind. But the year has also been marked by loss, health issues, and an erosion from verbal abuse, neglect, and a lack of support. I’m torn about staying in academia and whether I’m “enough.” Mostly, I just want somewhere safe to land.

One out of 12 rams is uninterested in females. Deemed “non-procreative" by farmers, they're typically sent to slaughter. German farmer Michael Stücke rescues the gay rams. His company Rainbow Wool, sells fabulous wool products from his flock of gay sheep. rainbow-wool.com

Honestly, it isn't easy. I don't think it's just you. But I also didn't grow up online. If anything, I've learned that people have very different personas as well as means of interacting with people online. Bonds feel flimsy at best. I've got your back, fren.

2026🎠🎍

Just making sure that 2025 is definitely over

Jamin Warren interviewed me for Killscreen about my background as a field archaeologist, my current video game archaeology research, and why we should preserve contemporary play experiences for the future! 🏺 www.killscreen.com/mapping-the-...