Interview with Japanese Researcher Kurosawa Hikari
Excavations are currently underway at Busosanseong Fortress (Historic Site), located in Buyeo and known as the rear mountain fortress of Sabi—the last capital of Baekje. The work is led by the Buyeo NRICH. What drew special attention this time was the participation of a young researcher from
the Nara Prefectural Kashihara Archaeological Institute in Japan.
To mark the 20th anniversary of academic exchange between the NRICH and the Kashihara Institute, we spoke with Kurosawa Hikari, who is currently taking part in the joint fieldwork and experiencing the significance of Korea-Japan cooperation firsthand.
Q. Hello. We understand you work at the Nara Prefectural Kashihara
Archaeological Institute. Could you briefly introduce yourself—
your area of study, responsibilities, research interests, and
academic focus?
Hello. I’m Kurosawa Hikari from the Nara Prefectural Kashihara
Archaeological Institute in Japan. My research focuses on tombs from
Japan’s Kofun period. The size, shape, burial methods, and grave goods
of these tombs evolved over time. I believe these changes reflect how
people of that era perceived death and expressed their beliefs through
rituals. Currently, I’m working to reconstruct burial ceremonies of the time
by studying burial structures and pottery used as grave goods.
Q. We understand you’ve been participating in the excavation
of Busosanseong Fortress in Buyeo since May. What sparked
your interest in Korean national heritage, especially Baekje-era
architecture? Could you also tell us what led to your involvement
in this particular excavation?
At our institute, we conduct excavations and research focused on the
Asuka region (modern-day Asuka Village), which was the political center
during Japan’s Asuka period.
This region includes many archaeological sites showing strong
connections with Baekje, making it extremely important for understanding
the formation of Japan’s ancient state and international exchanges of the
time. Two years ago, I participated in an excavation of what is presumed
to be the Asuka Palace site.
Through that experience, I came to realize that to gain a deeper
understanding of the Asuka region, I needed to study more about the
archaeological sites and artifacts of the Korean Peninsula.
Q. Could you tell us more specifically about your current role in
the excavation at Busosanseong Fortress and your plans going
forward?
Fortress, I’m primarily responsible for measuring and recording structural
remains. In the field, I try not to simply carry out tasks but also to carefully
observe the site’s location and surrounding environment—details that can
only be understood through excavation. I also hope to learn from Korea’s
fieldwork methodologies and apply those insights to future excavations
and research in Japan.
Q. What are your thoughts on the future direction of cultural
heritage exchange between Korea and Japan? What do you
hope to gain from participating in this fieldwork?
The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the academic exchange
program between the NRICH and the Nara Prefectural Kashihara
Archaeological Institute. I feel very honored to be here at such a
meaningful time and would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the
Korean colleagues who have sustained this exchange over the years.
Since the beginning of this collaboration, many senior researchers have
visited one another, and the relationships and joint research outcomes
built through this process are truly invaluable. I hope these exchanges will
continue and that archaeological research into Korean cultural heritage
will further develop through new and diverse perspectives.
Q. As an archaeologist, which aspects or types of Korean heritage
are you personally most interested in? Please also tell us why.
As my specialty is the Kofun period, I have a strong interest in the sites
and artifacts of the Three Kingdoms period in Korea. During my stay, I’ve
visited several heritage sites and was often surprised by how much the
features and layout of sites differ by region. In particular, when it comes
to tombs, I found it very meaningful to encounter artifacts and burial
structures that differed from what I had learned through documents
or prior research. Since Japan’s kofun culture is believed to have been
influenced by the Korean Peninsula and the continent, I believe it’s
essential to compare and study the sites and artifacts of both countries. I
would like to continue this line of investigation going forward.
Q. Lastly, is there anything you would like to say or any message
you’d like to share with the NRICH researchers working alongside
you at Busosanseong?
I was very nervous at first, but I’m thankful that the members of the
excavation team—many of whom are around my age—were so kind
and welcoming. Although my Korean is still limited, I hope to continue
learning and growing through this excavation experience. I look forward
to working with you all!
