Misawa Air Base displays ancient Japanese artifacts

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kaleb Snay
  • 35th Fighter Wing PA
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Ancient Japanese artifacts, discovered on and around Misawa Air Base, are currently on display in the Torii building until June 22, 2012 at Misawa Air Base, Japan.

The annual display includes items estimated to be between 2,000 and 8,600 years old from the pre-historic Jomon to Yayoi periods.

"Viewing artifacts from past human activities preserves the awareness of valuable historical assets for future generations and enhances the appreciation of the current generation," said Takeshi Ukon, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron cultural and natural resources program manager.

The display was made to promote the rich history of archeological and cultural resources at Misawa Air Base and consists of an assortment of jars, pots, bowls, cups and tools to include an arrowhead, spear points and a stone pole.

The Misawa artifact display, which debuted in 2000, borrows all its artifacts from the Misawa History Museum, said Masayoshi Nagao, Misawa City Office cultural resources primary investigator.

"Archeological surveys are conducted prior to the various base construction projects to preserve valuable cultural resources," said Ukon.

There has been a great deal of cooperation with Misawa Air Base and Misawa City to meet the Artifact Protection Law regulations, said Nagao. Despite the construction going on throughout the base, protection of these resources is included in all construction projects and Nagao said he was very pleased with how responsive and helpful the base has been.