Japan Unearths 10,000-Year-Old Pottery from Lake Biwa

A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in Japan has brought global attention to Lake Biwa, where researchers recovered a remarkably intact 10,000-year-old pottery vessel from the Tsuzuraozaki underwater ruins. Retrieved from a depth of 64 metres, the early Jomon-era artefact is offering rare insight into one of the world’s oldest ceramic traditions and Japan’s earliest settled communities. Enabled by advanced tools such as autonomous underwater vehicles and 3D sonar mapping, the find underscores how modern technology is transforming underwater archaeology. With more than 200 artefacts previously found at the site, the intact vessel possibly linked to ritual practices adds fresh intrigue to the enduring mysteries of ancient Lake Biwa.