Hikaru NISHIURAResearcher, Nara Prefectural Archaeological Institute of Kashihara
The Archaeological Institute of Kashihara in Nara Prefecture, Japan, and The National Institute of Cultural Heritage share a long-standing relationship. The ancestral ties between Korea and Japan’s Nara Prefecture, both pivotal players in East Asian history, have endured over the generations. This historic connection led researcher Hikaru Nishiura to Korea to explore his ancestral heritage.
Q.Tell us about yourself.
I’m Hikaru Nishiura from the Archaeological Institute of Kashihara in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Since joining in 2020, I’ve been researching Japanese Yayoi period1) pottery. I recently had the chance to visit Korea.
Q.What brought you to Korea?
I arrived in Daejeon in January, four months ago. This opportunity arose through an exchange agreement between our institute and the NRICH. Recommendations from colleagues who had visited Korea previously also influenced my decision. I realized my research had limitations as I had previously focused only on Japan, and I believed coming to Korea would help broaden my perspective.
Q.As a researcher, do you see any benefits to continuing archaeological research exchanges between Korea and Japan?
Absolutely. Witnessing the connections between East Asian countries firsthand is a meaningful undertaking. Korea and Japan share many similarities in food and architectural styles. Historically, many Baekje potters visited Japan, spreading their techniques and influencing Japanese styles.
Q.Your Korean seems fluent. How long have you been studying the language?
I started preparations last year when I decided to visit Korea. Before that, I knew nothing about the Korean culture or language. As I return to Japan soon, I plan on improving my Korean so that I can act as a guide for Korean researchers when they visit.
Q.What are your plans moving forward?
I’ll continue my long-term research on Japan’s Yayoi period. My time in Korea has reinforced my belief in the deep cultural connections across East Asia. I’m grateful for the broader perspective I’ve gained and appreciate the support from the researchers at the Buyeo National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage.
1) The Yayoi period, spanning Japan’s Bronze and Iron Ages, is estimated to have begun around the 8th century BCE. Scholars believe this era likely originated with the arrival of the Songguk-ri culture from the Korean peninsula, underscoring the ancient historical ties between Korea and Japan. This period marked significant civilizational advancements, including the emergence of burial mounds, bronze weapons, ritual props, and established agricultural practices.
