An ancient genome perspective on the dynamic history of the prehistoric Jomon people in and around the Japanese archipelago

A genetic analysis of ancient Jomon individuals reveals significant population turnover in western Japan around 9,000 years ago. The study, based on genome-wide data from 23 Jomon and Jomon-like individuals, shows that an Initial Jomon individual from Shikoku serves as a common outgroup to later Jomon populations, indicating substantial genetic shifts over time. Additionally, Jomon-like individuals found outside the traditional archaeological context in Miyako Island (Ryukyu) and Yokjido Island (southern Korea) exhibit close genetic affinity with Late Jomon individuals from Shikoku, suggesting specific sources in space and time for their migration. This research sheds light on the dynamic genetic history of the Jomon people within and beyond the Japanese archipelago, emphasizing the need for broader ancient genome investigations.

Jeong, G., Gill, H., Moon, H., & Jeong, C. (2023). An ancient genome perspective on the dynamic history of the prehistoric Jomon people in and around the Japanese archipelago. Human Population Genetics and Genomics, 1–21. Portico. https://doi.org/10.47248/hpgg2303040008