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In a quiet corner of Ichikawa City, as you step onto the grounds of the Ubazuyama Shell Mound, you are enveloped by a sensation as if the flow of time gently reverses and the breath of the Jomon era softly whispers in your ear.
This place quietly holds numerous relics as evidence that people began living here about 7,000 years ago. The shell mound, where shells are layered upon each other many times over, conveys traces of the lives of people from that time. They likely enjoyed the blessings of the sea and mountains, living in harmony with nature.
At the Ubazuyama Shell Mound, the remains of a pit dwelling in complete form have been discovered, which is considered a remarkable find in the history of Japanese archaeology. Five human skeletons were also found at the dwelling site, and the latest DNA analysis revealed that there was no blood relationship between the two adult women. These discoveries shed new light on the family structure and social organization of the Jomon period.
Ichikawa City is an area dotted with many shell mounds, including the Ubazuyama Shell Mound, boasting one of the largest scales in the country. These sites tell the story of how this region flourished during the Jomon period.
Walking around the area surrounding the Ubazuyama Shell Mound, you can picture the scenery that ancient people must have seen. They likely hunted and gathered here, enjoying the rich blessings of nature. Each shell piled up in the mound quietly speaks as evidence of their lives.
Standing on this land, you can escape the bustle of modern life and feel the breath of people from long ago. The Ubazuyama Shell Mound is a place that holds a timeless message, teaching us the importance of the rich culture of the Jomon period and coexistence with nature.