HD images of murals in Takamatsuzuka, Kitora tombs

HD images of murals in Takamatsuzuka, Kitora tombs

KASHIHARA, Japan - High-definition images of murals in the Takamatsuzuka and Kitora tombs are shown on a screen installed at the Asuka Historical Museum of Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties in the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 22, 2014. The system is called "Mural Navigation."

Gov't reinforces painted wall plaster at Takamatsuzuka tomb

Gov't reinforces painted wall plaster at Takamatsuzuka tomb

KASHIHARA, Japan - The Cultural Affairs Agency started reinforcing pieces of painted wall plaster on Oct. 18 so that the mural will not be broken while the stone chamber of the ancient Takamatsuzuka tomb in the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, is taken apart, agency officials said. The stone chamber will be put back together outside to prevent further deterioration to its wall paintings.

(2)Bones, teeth, metal found at Kitora tomb

(2)Bones, teeth, metal found at Kitora tomb

KASHIHARA, Japan - The photo released June 18 by the Culture Agency shows what is believed to be part of metal from a burial casket that has been found at the site of the ancient Kitora tomb in Asuka, Nara Prefecture. The tomb, about 14 meters in diameter and 2.6 meters high, is known for its richly colored mural paintings.

Farm ministers inspect rice paddy farming in Japan

Farm ministers inspect rice paddy farming in Japan

NARA, Japan - Japanese agriculture minister Tsutomu Takebe (L) and his counterparts from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United States visit the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, on a half-day trip on July 26, where rice paddy farming has roots from ancient times.

Filming of ancient Nara tomb begins

Filming of ancient Nara tomb begins

ASUAKA VILLAGE, Japan - An aerial photo shows the Kitora tomb in the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, where researchers began filming the inside of the ancient tomb's chamber Dec. 6, 2001. Researchers want to get information for use in restoration work set to begin in 2003 on the tomb's mural paintings that date back from the late seventh century to early eighth century.

Ancient Nara pond larger than expected

Ancient Nara pond larger than expected

KASHIHARA, Japan - Photo taken from Kyodo News helicopter March 21 shows an aerial view of the remains of an artificial pond constructed in the seventh century in the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture. The Archaeological Institute of Kashihara said the pond, one of the oldest of its kind, measures more than 200 meters long, over 70 meters wide, larger than initially expected. Archaeologists think such ponds were used to entertain foreign delegations or vassals.