The deterioration of the mural paintings of Takamatsuzuka Tumulus had not been known to the public until the fact was unveiled in "Kokuho Takamatsuzuka kofun hekiga (Mural-paintings in the tumulus Takamatsuzuka)" published by the Agency for Cultural Affair in June 2004 and subsequently widely covered by newspapers.
高松塚古墳壁画のカビによる劣化が一般に知られるようになったのは、文化庁が2004年6月に出版した『国宝高松塚古墳壁画』により現状が明らかになり、新聞で大々的に報道されてからである。