Recent archaeological findings have brought new insights into the long-standing debate over the location of Yamatai-koku, with evidence increasingly supporting the Kinai region theory centered around Nara Prefecture. At a symposium held by the Japan Archaeological Association in September 2024, leading researchers presented their latest excavation results, highlighting discoveries at the Makimuku site in Sakurai City, Nara. These findings include large building remains, a significant ditch, and peach pits dating back to the 3rd century, suggesting Makimuku might have been a political center during Queen Himiko's era. Additionally, the distribution of numerous bronze mirrors, particularly the triangular-rimmed mirrors with divine beast designs found in the Kinai area, serves as crucial evidence pointing to this region as the heart of Yamatai-koku. While the Kyushu theory, supported by artifacts from the Gion Yama Kofun in Kurume City, Fukuoka, is not entirely dismissed, the comprehensive archaeological evidence increasingly favors the Kinai hypothesis. Kaoru Terasawa, a prominent researcher from the Makimuku Research Center, stated that the excavation results strongly imply Makimuku's central role in ancient Japan. The debate over Yamatai-koku's location is significant not only for pinpointing a historical site but also for understanding the formation of the Japanese state, with future discoveries expected to further illuminate ancient Japan's history.