Lake Motosu, one of the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, has long been shrouded in mystery due to its historical underwater treasures. Since the 1990s, divers have unearthed numerous fragments of ancient pottery resting on the lakebed, hinting at the existence of previous human habitation. Recent investigations are aimed at not only studying these artifacts but also piecing together the story of what lies beneath the surface of this serene body of water.
According to reports, the pottery, dating back to the early part of the 5th century, was found concentrated within a 1-kilometer radius near the shore. This discovery led local officials from the former Kamikōchi village to launch excavations, igniting curiosity among archaeologists and historians alike. The findings have raised intriguing questions: how did these artifacts end up submerged, and what do they signify about the area's historical significance?
Leading the inquiry is Associate Professor Ransei Sasaki from Teikyo University's Cultural Properties Research Institute. Professor Sasaki is part of a team conducting sediment studies at Lake Motosu, employing methods such as 'poking pole investigations' to measure the sediment accumulation on the lakebed. This simple yet effective technique involves inserting metal rods at intervals to assess how deep the sediments are and to potentially locate more artifacts excavated by natural processes.
“We have relics, but we don’t know the situation or how deeply they are buried, so we first investigate the accumulation condition,” explained Professor Sasaki. Analyst the sediment layers is also important for assessing the potential influence of historical natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides on the artifacts' distribution.
The most predominant theory brought forth by the research team is the possibility of human settlements being submerged due to rising water levels. This could mean more than just pottery; remnants of dwellings could be hidden under layers of silt. “If the hypothesis of rising water levels leading to the submergence of pottery is correct, new artifacts or remnants of past settlements may be hidden below the sediment,” Professor Sasaki elaborated, highlighting the urgency and importance of their research.
The team has already reported significant findings during the assessments, indicating varying depths of sediments around Lake Motosu, with some areas showing accumulations of up to 1.5 meters. This depth poses exciting prospects for future research, as it opens up the potential for discovering additional relics from the same era as the pottery.
Located at the foot of the majestic Mount Fuji, Lake Motosu has always been more than just a picturesque tourist attraction; it serves as a window to the past, inviting speculation about the lives of ancient inhabitants who may have once thrived on its shores. With more research planned, including local conferences to discuss findings, historians and archaeologists are eager to reveal more layers of history hidden below this scenic lake.
With the support of academic institutions, the research is poised to continue, bringing the mysteries of Lake Motosu closer to the surface, one excavation at a time. The findings not only contribute to the field of archaeology but also connect modern society with its ancient roots, deepening our appreciation for the rich historical narrative surrounding Mount Fuji.