On 13^th April, we visited Shimanto city, Kochi regarding “Project Research of Chronological Dating for Shichisei-ken (Seven Star Sword).

With aiming the enhancement of cultural promotion and regional revitalisation, our institute has donated to Shimanto city, Kochi for the research of “chronological dating for Shichisei-ken (Seven Star Sword)” as the social contribution project since 2022. We have made a donation in connection with the “Mobile town development project centred around a local museum” as part of the Shimanto City Town, People and Job Creation Promotion Project stipulated in Article 13-2 of the Regional Revitalisation Act for fiscal 2022.

In the midst of this, we visited the Kochi Shimanto Local History Museum to ascertain the situation and exchange our ideas with the project members. We will support them as much as possible to deliver the fruitful achievement.

In addition, the research for shrines, case studies and chemical analysis are planned in 2023, the following projects and case studies will be held:

• Research for Ikku Shrine in Shimanto city, Kochi

“Shichisei-ken (Seven Star Sword)” is an old treasured sword traditionalised in Ikku Shrine in Masaki, Shimanto city. Ikku Shrine is the old village shrine and local tutelary deity in Masaki, Shimanto city, Kochi, which is considered to be enshrined as a prominent in Hata area. The shrine enshrines the three goddesses of Shiina Gozen, Hokona Gozen and Tokumasu Gozen and the enshrined deity is Ajisukitakahikone. There is an even that one of the three goddesses is chosen by “fortune slip ritual” and transferring by a boat at the Autumn Festival in Fuwahachimangu Shrine, also called “the wedding of gods”.

• Research for the iron sword excavated in Gudonakayama Sites

Gudonakayama sites in Gudo, Shimanto city, Kochi is mainly covered in the period of “Yayoi, Tumulus (Kofun), ancient and medieval”, the many relics such as “Yatoi Pottery, Haji Pottery, Sue Pottery, Magatama (comma-shaped beads), iron swords, trade ceramics and tiles” have been excavated. Based on the discovery of the remains of a large post-hole building believed to have been a “manor storehouse” during the Medieval period, and the excavation of items such as trade ceramics that were distributed over a wide area, it is believed that the area served as a distribution hub for the middle and upper reaches of the Nakasuji River.

Again, we will support as much as possible to deliver the fruitful achievement.

We appreciate your continued patronage.

Social Contribution Group