High-coverage ancient genomes reveal divergent population histories and prehistoric starch-related genetic variation in Japan

A groundbreaking analysis of high-coverage ancient genomes from mainland Japan reveals divergent population histories between the Jomon and Yayoi lineages, offering new insights into the genetic interplay that shaped Eurasia. The study identified a stable post-glacial trajectory for the Jomon lineage, contrasting with the sustained growth of the Yayoi-related ancestral population, which also showed signs of continental interactions before their arrival in Japan. Notably, the Initial Jomon individual exhibited higher salivary amylase (AMY1) copy numbers, suggesting an early adaptation to starch-rich diets predating large-scale rice farming. These findings, derived from two low-contamination ancient genomes with unparalleled resolution, refine our understanding of modern genetic profiles and the evolutionary trajectories of human lifestyles in the region.

Ishiya, K., Mizuno, F., Gojobori, J., Kumagai, M., Taniguchi, Y., Kondo, O., Matsushita, M., Matsushita, T., Wang, L., Kurosaki, K., & Ueda, S. (2026). High-coverage ancient genomes reveal divergent population histories and prehistoric starch-related genetic variation in Japan. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 123(30). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2606162123