In June in the same year (2004), "National Treasure Takamatsuzuka Tumulus" (supervised by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and published by Chuo Koran Bijutsu Shuppan) revealed the deterioration of the mural paintings, in particular, the significant deteriorated "Byakko" on the west wall.
同じ2004年6月には『国宝高松塚古墳』（文化庁監修、中央公論美術出版刊）が発刊され、壁画の劣化、特に西壁の「白虎」の著しい劣化が明らかとなった。