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In the tranquil mountains of Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, there stands a stone monument that has endured through the ages. This is the Yamanoue Stele, erected in 681 during the reign of Emperor Tenmu. The 53 characters inscribed on a 111-centimeter-tall porphyritic andesite were written by Nagatori, a monk from Hokoji Temple, to memorialize his late mother, Kurome no Toji, and to record their lineage for future generations. (city.takasaki.gunma.jp)
The inscription tells that Kurome no Toji, the granddaughter of Kenshu no Mikoto—who was granted the Sano Sanke title—married Ogo no Omi, a descendant of the Nikawa Omi clan. Their son was Nagatori. As one of the oldest surviving historical records to use Chinese characters in Japanese word order, the inscription offers a rare glimpse into the language and culture of that era. (city.takasaki.gunma.jp)
To the east of the Yamanoue Stele lies the Yamanoue Kofun, a circular burial mound about 15 meters in diameter. Built in the mid-7th century, this tumulus features a meticulously constructed stone chamber. It is believed to have originally been the tomb of Kurome no Toji’s father, with Kurome no Toji herself later interred there as well. (city.takasaki.gunma.jp)
This site is a precious testament to the spirit of ancient chieftains. Both the Yamanoue Stele and Yamanoue Kofun are designated as national Special Historic Sites, and in 2017, they were inscribed on UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” register, recognized as invaluable evidence of cultural exchange in East Asia. (pref.gunma.jp)
Visitors ascend a long stone stairway and step into this serene setting. The rustling of trees in the wind, the chirping of birds, and the distant murmur of a stream all awaken memories of the ancient past. Tracing the characters engraved on the stele, one can feel the thoughts and emotions of people from over 1,300 years ago resonate across time.
The Yamanoue Stele and Yamanoue Kofun are not mere stones and earth—they are enduring witnesses to the love, respect, and deep family bonds of ancient people. By visiting this place, we can sense the threads that connect past, present, and future.