Ancient genomes from the initial Jomon period: new insights into the genetic history of the Japanese archipelago

A groundbreaking analysis of ancient genomes from the initial Jomon period, spanning 16,000 years ago, reveals that genetic continuity characterized the Japanese archipelago throughout the Jomon era without significant admixture. The study, the first to examine high-quality mitogenome and partial nuclear genome data from skeletal remains in Kyushu Island, found mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome haplogroups similar to those of later Jomon people. This suggests that genetic differentiation among the Jomon population was driven by regionalization rather than external influences. The findings provide critical insights into the temporal and spatial dynamics of early Japanese populations, although further data are needed to fully elucidate their admixture history with rice farmers.

ADACHI, N., KANZAWA-KIRIYAMA, H., NARA, T., KAKUDA, T., NISHIDA, I., & SHINODA, K.-I. (2021). Ancient genomes from the initial Jomon period: new insights into the genetic history of the Japanese archipelago. Anthropological Science, 129(1), 13–22. https://doi.org/10.1537/ase.2012132