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The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Inside DOOMED Mt Vesuvius villa destroyed by volcano blast where famed Roman emperor may have died 2,000 years ago
THE luxurious but tragedy-stricken villa where the first Roman emperor, Augustus, is believed to have died has been unearthed after 2,000 years. Researchers from the University of Tokyo say there are a number of clues that suggest the posh villa belonged to Augustus, who lived between 63 BC and 14 AD. Advertisement 5 The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath Credit: University of Japan 5 Amphora ceramic containers lined along a wall of a structure at the Somma Vesuviana site Credit: University of Japan 5 That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community Credit: University of Tokyo The 3,650-square-meter villa located at Somma Vesuviana, at the northern foot of Mount Vesuvius, was destroyed on the day of the eruption in 79 AD. The famous buried city of Pompeii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption. The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath. It boasts five large furnaces, which are presumed to have heated an enormous bath. Advertisement READ MORE ON ARCHAEOLOGY That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community. Carbon found inside the furnace dates back to around the first century, and suggests they went cold not long after. "There has never been a case where five large furnaces have been excavated from an Italian site," Mariko Muramatsu, professor of Italian studies at the University of Tokyo, said. 5 The famous buried city of Pomepii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption Credit: University of Tokyo Advertisement Muramatsu, who began an archaeological survey of the site in 2002, added: "It makes sense as an explanation that no one else but the emperor could make such a magnificent feat possible." Most read in Science The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse. Mystery as body of footless Roman with KNIFE in back found at ancient fort That many furnaces would have heated a significant amount of water, which may have even been used to entertain influential guests. "It is almost certain that they were used to heat a large amount of water for a huge bath facility," said Masanori Aoyagi, former commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo. Advertisement The researchers also said the bath was out of use around the same time Augustus died in 14 AD, and what appeared to be a large temple was later constructed on the site. 5 The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse Credit: Getty Augustus' grave has never been found, but ancient records say he passed away at his villa northeast of Mount Vesuvius. Accounts from that period also say a memorial was built there in memory of his accomplishments - but the precise location of that villa has remained a mystery. Advertisement Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, researchers say another clue supporting their theories is the fact that the site is located more than 200 kilometres from Rome. "Augustus built a guesthouse with a huge bath beyond Roman citizens' scrutiny in a bid to show his greatness to aristocrats and military officers and have them feel the Pax Romana (Roman peace) in the bath," said Aoyagi, who served as the first project head of the research team. The research team has already begun excavations on the south side of the furnace in hopes of finding the remnants of ancient bath water. A brief history of the Roman Empire Here's what you need to know... The Roman Empire began shortly after the founding of the Roman Republic in the 6th century BC It reigned for around a thousand years until the fall of the last Western emperor in 476 AD During this time, the Romans ruled over many countries in Europe and parts of Africa and the Middle East At its height, 90 million people lived in the Roman Empire It evolved from a monarchy to a democratic republic to a military dictatorship and then was finally ruled by emperors One of the most well-known Roman leaders is Julius Caesar, famously assassinated in 44BC He is largely credited for his military mind and laying the foundations for the Roman Empire The spread of the Roman Empire into Britain in around 55 BC has had a lasting impact on our lives today Latin, straight roads, underfloor heating and the spread of Christianity are all attributed to the Romans
The Mainichi
01-07-2025
- Science
- The Mainichi
Tokyo Univ. team may have unearthed 1st Roman emperor's bathhouse
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Researchers from the University of Tokyo have unearthed what may be an ancient villa they believe belonged to the first Roman emperor, Augustus. What appear to be five large furnaces -- presumed to have served as boilers to heat an enormous bath -- were discovered in the ruins of an ancient Roman building in southern Italy, drawing keen interest from the archaeological community due to it being an exceptionally rare find. The researchers point out that Augustus, who boasted immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse featuring a luxurious public bathhouse, or thermae, for entertaining influential people. The 3,650-square-meter ruins were buried beneath volcanic ash at the Somma Vesuviana site located at the northern foot of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that erupted in 79 AD and destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii. The research team headed by Mariko Muramatsu, professor of Italian studies at the university, began an archaeological survey in 2002. Since 2019, the team has excavated to about 15 meters below the surface, where they discovered the remains of five circular furnaces -- each about 1.4 meters in width -- lying in a row in a stratum dated to earlier than the mid-first century. The ruins are in an area once ruled by the Augustus family. Researchers say the discovery may strengthen the case that the villa belonged to Augustus, despite the lack of conclusive evidence. "There has never been a case where five large furnaces have been excavated from an Italian site. It makes sense as an explanation that no one else but the emperor could make such a magnificent feat possible," said Muramatsu. Through a process of elimination based on the size and design of the furnaces, it was ruled out that they had been used for cooking, firing earthenware or for heating rooms -- leaving a bathhouse as the remaining working theory. "The furnaces are the same shape as water heaters. It is almost certain that they were used to heat a large amount of water for a huge bath facility," said Masanori Aoyagi, former commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, who served as the first project head of the research team. Another piece of evidence supporting the team's theories is the fact that the site is located more than 200 kilometers from Rome. As the successor to the assassinated Julius Caesar, Augustus quelled a civil war and gained immense power, but the citizens of Rome were wary of him becoming a dictator. Aoyagi believes "Augustus built a guesthouse with a huge bath beyond Roman citizens' scrutiny in a bid to show his greatness to aristocrats and military officers and have them feel the Pax Romana (Roman peace) in the bath." In ancient Rome, thermae served as centers for interacting across social status, and the remains of huge bathhouses built by later emperors, such as Caracalla, can still be seen in the city. The remains of the five furnaces may soon be ranked equally with past thermae discoveries, Muramatsu suggested. The research team has already begun excavations on the south side of the furnace remains, and if the thermae theory holds water, they should find the remnants of a luxurious bathing pool in the vicinity of the furnaces. Mari Yamazaki, known for her award-winning manga series "Thermae Romae" about ancient Rome, said, "If the first emperor's villa had a luxurious bathhouse, it may have served as a reference in the design of bathhouses in later generations." She added, "I hope that the exciting discovery of bath cultures that connect ancient and modern times will continue." The University of Tokyo is soliciting donations for the continuation of the archaeological dig.
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Logo Established for the 'Japan Creator Support Fund' to Support the Global Success of Japan's Next-Generation Creators and Artists
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Japan Arts Council (President: Mariko Hasegawa), with funding from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, has established the Japan Creator Support Fund to support projects nurturing Japan's diverse creators and artists, and to support cultural facilities' function enhancement. We are pleased to announce that the logo for the Fund has been established and that the English-language global website, which is promoting this project overseas, has been officially launched on Monday, June 30, 2025. A promotional video for international audiences is also now available on the website. About the Japan Creator Support Fund The Japan Creator Support Fund was established within the Japan Arts Council through the supplementary budget for FY2023 by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to support initiatives for Japan-based creators and artists, and to support cultural facilities' function enhancement. Leveraging this Fund, 'Support Programs for Creator Development & Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement' has been implemented since FY2024, where 42 projects were selected, supporting a wide range of creative genres, including manga, animation, games, performing arts, contemporary art, and traditional performing arts. It aims to foster the global success of over 600 emerging Japanese creators and artists. Additionally, the 'Creator Support Program (Program Development & Implementation)' was newly established through the FY2024 supplementary budget. Furthermore, we will promote the 'Japan Creator Support Fund for Entertainment, International Outreach Program (Long-Term Projects)' using subsidies allocated under the FY2024 supplementary budget by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). (For details on each initiative under the Fund, please refer to the attached appendix.) Logo Established -- Inspired by the 'Plane' A new logo has been established using the motif of a 'plane.' In geometry, a plane is a flat surface that extends infinitely. The design concept envisions Japanese creators, artists, and cultural arts boldly crossing borders and venturing out into the world. The plane evokes a sense of limitless expansion in all directions and represents the spread of new creativity originating in Japan. In addition to the main logo for the Fund as a whole, individual logos were also created for the Fund's four support programs: The Creator & Artist Development Support Program [FOR CREATORS] The Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement [FOR CULTURAL FACILITIES] The Creator Support Program (Program Development & Implementation) [FOR CREATOR DEVELOPMENT] The Japan Creator Support Fund for Entertainment, International Outreach Program (Long-Term Projects) funded by METI [FOR ENTERTAINMENT] Global Website Launched The website provides an overview of the Fund, including the four support programs offered and the projects selected under each category. Each project page features links to each project's dedicated website and social media accounts, as well as information on participating creators and advisors. A promotional video about the fund is also available on the website. In addition, the site will be updated as needed with information on the progress of each project. It will also share details on upcoming exhibitions, performances, and other events held not only in Japan but internationally as well. The website is available in both English and Japanese. Launch Date: Monday, June 30, 2025, 15:00. URL: Mid-Term Report Meeting for the 'Support Programs for Creator Development & Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement' On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Japan Arts Council held a mid-term report meeting for the 'Support Programs for Creator Development & Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement.' Representatives from eight of the 42 selected projects presented activity reports, followed by a roundtable discussion featuring seven up-and-coming Japanese creators active across various genres. The event concluded with a networking session to encourage future collaboration.
The Mainichi
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
30% of Japan religious corps say Unification Church dissolution order hits freedom of faith
TOKYO -- Some 30% of major religious corporations responding to a Mainichi Shimbun survey believe that a court order for the Unification Church to dissolve will affect freedom of religion guaranteed under the Japanese Constitution, while nearly 80% of responding groups appreciate the order. The survey results brought into sharp relief the fact that major religious corporations understand the propriety of the dissolution order but harbor a certain degree of concern over political intervention in religion. The survey was conducted in April targeting 62 religious corporations and federations with a claimed followership of 100,000 or more in Japan according to the 2024 edition of the almanac of religion released by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The Mainichi sent out the questionnaire asking for their views on the dissolution order against the Unification Church in multiple-choice answer and free description styles, and received responses from 19 religious corporations. The Japanese Association of Religious Organizations and the Nichiren Shoshu provided their own views as corporations without answering the set questions. Regarding the dissolution order issued by the Tokyo District Court against the Unification Church, formally the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, 15 groups responded that they either "appreciate" or "somewhat appreciate" the court order. Many of those respondents cited the high amount of financial damage incurred by Unification Church followers as the group solicited massive donations, as well as the large number of such victims, as their reasons for selecting those answers. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan responded, "While the freedom for people to believe in religion should be respected, illegal and malicious acts in the name of religion must not be tolerated." Tenrikyo stated, "For an organization to have the status of a religious corporation, it is required to be worthy of such a title." Meanwhile, two groups respectively opted for answers stating they "do not appreciate" and "rather do not appreciate" the court's disbandment order, while another two corporations didn't respond. Oyamanezunomikoto Shinji Kyokai, a religious group established after World War II, chose the answer "rather do not appreciate" the court order, calling it "a strong measure that significantly interferes with activities that religion has made its mission in history, such as missionary work and spiritual relief." It said, "The illegal acts (under the Civil Code) alone cannot suffice as the basis for the dissolution order." Once the disbandment order is finalized, the Unification Church will need to liquidate its property and become ineligible for tax breaks, while being allowed to continue activities as a voluntary organization. When asked what effects the dissolution order, with its strong efficacy, will have on freedom of religion, six corporations answered that either there will be effects or a certain degree of effects. Happy Science noted, "It could allow the government to arbitrarily suppress religious groups. We should be careful about depriving people of freedom of religion by strengthening state authority and intervening in religion." Meanwhile, 10 groups said either there will be no effect or little to no effect on freedom of religion, while another three gave no answer. Bussho Gonenkai Kyodan pointed out, "We infer that freedom of religion is guaranteed unless there are acts including those clearly recognized to significantly harm public welfare." Myoshinji Temple, of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, stated, "While freedom of religion is the right of the people, it does not mean they can do anything while acting against public welfare. It cannot necessarily be said that the dissolution order infringes on freedom of religion." In October 2023 the education and culture minister requested a disbandment order against the Unification Church from the Tokyo District Court. The court ordered the church to dissolve based on the Religious Corporations Act on March 25, 2025. The church on April 7 filed an immediate appeal against the ruling with the Tokyo High Court.
Japan Forward
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Japanese Director Saki Michimoto Brings New Perspectives to Italy's FEFF
Independent director Saki Michimoto has captured international attention with her debut feature, See You Tomorrow . The lyrical drama marks her down as one of the most promising new voices in Japanese cinema. Screened on May 1, the film played at the 27th Far East Film Festival in Udine, northern Italy. Joining the director at the event's Teatro Nuovo Giovanni da Udine were the film's stars, Makoto Tanaka and Risa Shigematsu. "It was an emotional experience," said Michimoto. The introduction of her talent to a European audience can only boost a career in cinema that is still in its formative stages. Michimoto first showed the world a glimpse of her talent during her student years. She won the Special Jury Prize at the 2018 Pia Film Festival for her short film 19 Years Old . Then, in 2021, she participated in the New Directions in Japanese Cinema project run by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, where she directed the short, The Youngest Daughter . See You Tomorrow explores the relationships between young photographers and their dreams ー both unfulfilled and realized. It was also nominated for the 2024 Kaneto Shindo Awards. On the sidelines of the 2025 FEFF, Michimoto sat down to talk about her career as it has played out so far, including her debut feature and her time in Italy. (Courtesy of the filmmaker) Yes, there are many autobiographical elements in the movie. This is because the main character, Nao, is based on my personal experiences. But you can also find parts of myself in other characters, like Sayo and the others. What mattered most to me was keeping an honest approach when portraying each character's specific traits. They are all drawn from my real experiences. Yes, I feel that. I'm turning 28 this year. I see that other directors my age are starting to gain worldwide recognition for their talent. So, in a way, I felt the passing of time and started pressuring myself. Having this feature film here in Udine this year is extremely important to me, and I will do my best not to be secondary. I think that when you're taking pictures, the person behind the camera is in complete control of the shutter. Cameras are tools that offer unilateral control, one-way control over what's happening. So, from this point of view, rather than simply depicting the subject, I would say that each photograph somehow reveals the relationship between the photographer and the person being photographed. Saki Michimoto and the film's stars caught celebrating their debut. Perhaps, in this awkwardness, there is something of myself. But I can also say that I believe when several people share the same direction or goal, yet begin comparing their paths to one another, something unspoken starts to grow in their hearts. And out of that, a certain kind of atmosphere emerges. It's a lot of fun! You know, last year [2024] the movie was released in Japan. At that time we tried reaching out to several film festivals, but we didn't get very far. That's why I'm extremely happy to see so many viewers here, and their lovely reactions. I'm really enjoying this experience. It was completely different. Here in Italy, when people get emotional about a particular scene, you can see their feelings through their body language. They express what they're feeling physically. They're also very sensitive to small details and react clearly. In Japan, on the other hand, people tend to be extremely shy, and it's often impossible to know what's going on in their minds. Title: See You Tomorrow Director: Michimoto Saki Starring: Makoto Tanaka, Ken Okouchi, Risa Shigematsu, Takuro Akiyama, Ryota Matsuda Running time: 99 minutes First released: Japan, September 28, 2024 Author: Eliska Nodlova Eliska Nodlova attended the 27th Far East Film Festival as part of the FEFF Campus for aspiring critics, writers, and film industry professionals.
