The special exhibition "Izumo and Yamato," commemorating the 1300th anniversary of the Nihon Shoki's compilation, is being held at the Tokyo National Museum's Heiseikan in Ueno. This exhibition brings together treasures from Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's most important shrines, and treasures from Shimane, alongside cultural properties and artifacts from Nara. The exhibition runs from January 15 (Wed) to March 8 (Sun), 2020. During this period, the exhibition will be divided into early and late terms, with some items being rotated.

2020 marks the 1300th anniversary of the compilation of the Nihon Shoki, Japan's oldest history book, in 720 AD. In this commemorative year, the special exhibition "Izumo and Yamato" is being held at the Tokyo National Museum's Heiseikan in Ueno, Tokyo. The exhibition is divided into four sections: "The Grand Main Hall of Izumo Taisha," "Izumo: The Source of Ancient Rituals," "Yamato: The Birthplace of the Imperial Court," and "Buddhas and Governance." It brings together a wealth of treasures, important cultural properties, and artifacts from Izumo and Yamato, essential for understanding the foundations of ancient Japan.

A highlight is the massive pillar fragments, consisting of three large cedar logs discovered in 2000 within the grounds of Izumo Taisha. Three of the nine pillars that formed the main hall of Izumo Taisha have been confirmed through excavation, and the "Shinbashira" (central pillar) found at the heart of the main hall, along with the "Uzu-bashira" (pillar located at the front center of the main hall), are displayed together. Also on display are national treasures such as the "Aki no Shika Makie-bako" (lacquer box with autumn deer design), an ancient treasure of Izumo Taisha, bronze swords, bronze bells, and bronze spears excavated from the Kojindani site in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, and 39 bronze bells from the Kamoiwakura site in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture, the largest number found in Japan.

Also exhibited are national treasures such as the "Seven-Branched Sword" from Isonokami Jingu Shrine in Nara Prefecture, and important cultural properties like the "En-tō Haniwa" (cylindrical haniwa) excavated from Mesuri-yama Kofun in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. In total, approximately 20 national treasures and over 70 important cultural properties are on display.

Special Exhibition 'Izumo and Yamato' Commemorating the 1300th Anniversary of the Nihon Shoki's Compilation
Dates | January 15 (Wed) - March 8 (Sun), 2020
Venue | Tokyo National Museum, Heiseikan
Address | 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours | 9:30 - 17:00 (Fridays and Saturdays until 21:00) *Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed | Mondays (Open February 24), February 25