Archaeologists excavating a construction site in Fukuoka Prefecture have identified the significant foundations of an 8th-century Buddhist temple dating back to the late Nara Period. The discovery is notable for a cache of twelve perfectly preserved bronze mirrors found at the base of the central pagoda's foundation stone, which researchers believe were placed as ritual protection for the sacred structure.
The excavation team from the Kyushu University Department of Archaeology also uncovered rare roof tiles featuring unique floral patterns that suggest a direct artistic influence from the Tang Dynasty in China. These findings provide critical evidence of the maritime trade routes and cultural exchange that helped spread Buddhism throughout the Japanese archipelago during this formative era.