Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: Peru and Yamagata University Joint Press Conference 248 New Nasca Geoglyphs Discovered Using AI-Supported Surveys

July 29, 2025 at 16:39 PM EDT

The total number of figurative geoglyphs has reached 893.

On July 28, 2025 (Monday), at the Peru Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Professor Masato Sakai, Distinguished Research Professor at Yamagata University and a world-leading authority on Nasca research, announced that 248 new geoglyphs have been discovered through AI-supported field surveys. Furthermore, by focusing on their arrangement, it has been suggested that the geoglyphs may have been created with the purpose of conveying stories or messages.

■ Main Points of the Research Presentation

Discovery of 248 New Geoglyphs on the Nasca Plateau

In 2023 and 2024, field surveys supported by AI were conducted by Yamagata University and IBM, leading to the discovery of 248 new geoglyphs on the Nasca Plateau. Of these, 160 are figurative geoglyphs depicting animals, humans, and other subjects. With this discovery, the total number of figurative geoglyphs has reached 893.

Interpretation of the Arrangement and Meaning of the Geoglyphs

Many of the newly discovered geoglyphs are believed to have been arranged along small paths according to specific themes. The motifs depicted include priests, scenes of decapitation, birds of prey, llamas, and more. It is thought that each path represented themes such as “human sacrifice,” “wild birds,” or “domesticated animals.” The spatial arrangement of these geoglyphs suggests that they were not mere decorations, but were intentionally composed with the purpose of conveying stories or messages. In other words, rather than being independent works of art, the geoglyphs are considered to have functioned as part of a cultural practice deeply connected to the faith and memory of the community.

Fernando Albareda, Vice Commissioner, Peru Pavilion, stated in his opening remarks:

“We are very pleased that, once again, a large number of geoglyphs have been newly discovered, and that the mystery of the Nasca geoglyphs is being further unraveled. This project is a symbol of Peru-Japan cultural cooperation and represents a landmark achievement that has significantly advanced the protection and understanding of the World Heritage Nasca geoglyphs. We are honored to announce these achievements at the Expo.”

President Hidetoshi Tamate of Yamagata University continued:

“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has made this opportunity possible. Yamagata University, despite being a small national university in a rural area, is conducting internationally acclaimed research at a time when Japan’s overall research capacity is declining. However, our annual operational grants are being cut by 90 million yen. If this situation continues, long-term and steady basic research such as that on the Nasca geoglyphs will become impossible. We hope that this exhibition at the Expo will help many people understand and support our efforts.”

In the research presentation, Takashi Morioka, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Director of the Nasca Institute at Yamagata University, provided an overview, followed by Masato Sakai, Distinguished Research Professor and Deputy Director of the Nasca Institute, who presented “A Step Forward in Deciphering the World Heritage Nasca Geoglyphs – New Perspectives from Recent Discoveries.”

After the press conference, in celebration of Peru’s Independence Day on July 28, a toast by Albareda was followed by Peruvian cuisine and traditional dance performances. Peruvian cuisine, shaped by the diverse geography and climate of the Andes, Amazon, and Pacific coast, as well as by the blending of Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese, and Italian immigrant cultures, has developed into a unique and rich culinary tradition. As a result, Peru has been selected as the “World’s Leading Culinary Destination” by the World Travel Awards – known as the “Academy Awards of the travel industry” – for 12 consecutive years since 2012. It is also worth noting that Lima’s renowned restaurant Maido was recently ranked No. 1 in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

In addition, the Peru Pavilion is transforming its ancient exhibition zone from the “Moche Civilization – Lords of the Desert,” which centered on the Lord of Sipán, into a Nasca-themed exhibition. While panels featuring the geoglyphs are currently on display, in early August, authentic Nasca-period huaco pottery, including pieces being shown for the first time in Japan, will be exhibited.

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Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: Peru and Yamagata University Joint Press Conference 248 New Nasca Geoglyphs Discovered Using AI-Supported Surveys

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