Osaka History Museum displays 150 artifacts in ‘Archaeology of Naniwa 2026’ exhibition

The Osaka City Museum Organization will organize a special exhibition, titled “New Discoveries! Archeology of Naniwa 2026”, at the Osaka History Museum, starting on September 9th and ending on November 23rd.

The exhibition will bring to the public the most recent finds from archaeological excavations conducted in Osaka, displaying both recovered artifacts and panels with photographs. The aim is to allow visitors to reflect on the city’s accumulated history, from ancient civilizations to more recent periods, through the lens of ever-evolving archaeological research, which continues to uncover new layers of Naniwa’s past.

Recent archaeological discoveries illuminate Osaka’s history

The exhibition “New Discoveries! Archeology of Naniwa 2026” focuses on the primary results of archaeological excavation campaigns in Osaka City, which took place mainly in fiscal years 2024 and 2025. These works were carried out by the Osaka Education Board and the Osaka Prefectural Cultural Properties Center.

Around 150 artifacts will be displayed, covering a vast temporal spectrum, ranging from the Yayoi period to the Edo period.

Among the highlights is the pottery found in clay extraction pits at the Nagahara archaeological site, in the Hirano district. Dating back to the Yayoi and Kofun periods, around the 3rd century, the collection includes jars discovered in more than 250 of these pits.

The presence of soot on the surface of these objects suggests that they were used for cooking.

Another relevant find is the Haji ceramics, identified in an ancient village from the Kofun period, between the 4th and 5th centuries. These items were located in the deepest layers of the ruins of the city of Osaka Castle, in the Chuo area.

Before the founding of the fortified city of Osaka, the western Uemachi Plateau was home to a village that existed from the Yayoi to the Heian period. In this recent research, a small vase and more than three bowls with a pedestal were discovered in a pit from the Kofun period, grouped together.

The Naniwa Palace archaeological site, also in the Chuo neighborhood, has revealed tiles from the later period of Naniwa Palace, dating back to the 8th century. Excavations have identified a portion of the corridor that connected the palace to the southern gate of the Chodoin, the main hall of the ancient Naniwa Palace.

Additionally, tiles thought to be part of the later Naniwa Palace were found in the level layer, after the structure was abandoned. Among them, one with a double circle pattern stands out.

From the ruins of Osaka Castle in Chuo came gold-plated tiles and engraved tiles, artifacts from the late 16th century Toyotomi period. They were excavated from ditches and other constructions from the Toyotomi era.

Although fragmented, the golden tiles had different shapes, such as those with a chrysanthemum pattern and round ones with a tomoe pattern. Among the engraved tiles, one stood out for the inscription of the word “Tenjo” (heaven).

Artifacts linked to the foundry, discovered at the archaeological site of the city of Osaka Castle, in Chuo, date from the first half of the Edo period, 17th century. The excavation revealed a set of small crucibles with rounded bottoms and handles.

Residues of molten metal indicate that the site was used for the casting and molding of metals, possibly brass, considering similar finds nearby.

Programming of events parallel to the exhibition

During the period the exhibition is open, there will be a series of complementary events, including lectures and guided tours.

On October 25, from 1:30 pm to 4:15 pm, the lecture “Unearthing the History of Osaka 2026 – A Lecture Commemorating the 1300th Anniversary of the Beginning of Construction of the Later Naniwa Palace” will take place. The meeting will be in the auditorium on the 4th floor of the Osaka History Museum, which seats 250 people. Participation costs 1,000 yen and requires prior online registration, with limited places. The registration period begins on August 25th.

On September 26, October 3 and November 7, a curator from the Osaka History Museum will lead 30-minute guided tours of the exhibition from 2pm. The meeting point is the Special Exhibition Room on the 8th floor and entry is free, but requires a ticket for the permanent exhibition. There is no need for prior registration.

On November 15th, from 2pm to 4pm, the activity “Experiencing the Archeology of Naniwa: A Practical Excavation Work Experience” will take place. Aimed at primary and secondary school students, accompanied by their guardians, the event will accept up to 10 pairs (20 people). Participants will receive an explanation of the archaeological site reconstructed by the Naniwa Archaeological Research Institute and have the chance to assemble pottery and create tile decals. Advance registration online is compulsory, on a first-come, first-served basis, starting on September 15th. The activity is free, however, entry to the permanent exhibition is required.

The events described celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Osaka History Museum. Additional information about each activity will be made available on the official website and other channels.

The exhibition “New Discoveries! Archeology of Naniwa 2026” brings together valuable findings from recent research, inviting the public to delve into Osaka’s rich history.