[HIGHLIGHTS] The ``tsuka'' of the ``serpentine sword'' at the Tomio Maruyama Tumulus in Nara has a special shape.

A serpentine sword, said to be the longest iron sword in ancient East Asia, was found in a tomb in Nara City. It turned out that it had a special shape.

Experts say it will be an extremely important document for understanding the evolution of swords during the Kofun period. The sword will be on display to the public from March 30th to April 7th at the Museum attached to the Nara Prefectural Kashihara Archaeological Research Institute in Kashihara City.