The Mozu Tumulus Cluster includes Daisen Tumulus, said to be the tomb of the emperor Nintoku and one of the largest such tombs in the world, and Misanzai Tumulus, said to be the tomb of the emperor Richu and the third longest tumulus. In addition to telling the story of the development of the tumulus-building culture that created them, these sites occupy an important place in the rise of the ancient Japanese state. The Mozu Tumulus Cluster is not only an invaluable part of Japan’s cultural heritage but also a treasure shared by all humankind. We must preserve and make the most of this treasure.

Knowledge of Sakai City's magnificent tumulus cluster has spread worldwide. In the middle of the urban area you will, find ancient burial mounds covered by trees, a legacy of ancient history. When you come into contact with that scenery or let your eyes follow the waterfowl playing in one of the area's moats, you cannot help but forget the passage of time. We must not despoil our national heritage.

The construction of the emperor Nintoku's tomb is estimated to have involved 2,000 workers a day-a total of 6.8 million people over the course of 15 years and 8 months. Nintoku devoted his life to completing the development of the Osaka Bay coastline, a project that was planned by his grandmother the empress Jingu and his father the emperor Ojin. Under his direction the port towns of Sakaiotsu and Izumiotsu were built between Naniwatsu (Temma) and Kozu, and numerous ports sprung up between them. He relocated the Naniwa Osumi-no-miya and Takatsu-no-miya palaces to Uemachidaichi and constructed the Naniwa-daido, running north-to-south and three highways running east-to-west, respectively. The tumuli are an important legacy that summons forth the visage of a truly remarkable period in our history, a period that saw not only the greatest spurt of development in Osaka's history but also the implementation of policies that spurred diplomatic ties with other Asian countries and achieved domestic stability. I am eager to explore the fascinating history of this era.

Centered on Nintoku-ryo Tumulus, considered to be one of the world's three greatest ancient imperial mausoleums along with the pyramids and the mausoleum of the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Mozu Tumulus Cluster is a part of humankind's shared cultural heritage, an invaluable legacy that tells a story of the relationship between emperors and their subjects at the very beginning of human history and of the beginnings of the national state. The fifth century, when the cluster was built, was a time when Japan entered the world of East Asia and embarked on the path of civilization in earnest. Interest in how civilization came to rise in the world's various naions is commonly held around the world. The Mozu Tumulus Cluster is an excellent cultural heritage standpoint to view the rise of civilization in Japan.