DNA from 2,300-year-old human remains reveals ancient Japanese secret

A new study led by researchers at the University of Tokyo has shed light on the origins of ancient immigration to Japan, challenging previous theories about the country’s genetic history.

The research, published in the Journal of Human Genetics, provides compelling evidence that most immigrants to the Japanese archipelago during the Yayoi and Kofun periods (3000 BC – 538 AD) originated on the Korean Peninsula.

The team, led by Jonghyun Kim and Jun Ohashi, analyzed the complete genome of an individual from the Yayoi period, discovered at the Doigahama site in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

By comparing this ancient DNA to genomes from various East Asian and Northeast Asian populations, they found striking similarities to modern Korean populations.

WHAT ARE THE KEY RESULTS?

The study revealed that the Yayoi individual’s genome was the most similar to modern Korean populations among non-Japanese groups.

This similarity extended to both East Asian and Northeast Asian related ancestries, which are common in contemporary Japanese genomes.

These findings support the two-way admixture model, which suggests a single primary source of immigration during the Yayoi and Kofun periods. This contradicts the three-way model, which proposed separate waves of migration from Northeast Asia and East Asia.

Professor Ohashi emphasized the importance of these results, stating: “Our study has identified the primary origins of immigrants to Japan during this crucial period.”

The research team now aims to expand their research by examining the genomes of more Yayoi individuals.

This further exploration will help clarify why more than 80% of modern Japanese genomic components are derived from immigration and how the admixture of indigenous peoples from mainland Asia and Jomon progressed within the archipelago.

As Japan continues to be a global center for business and culture, this research provides valuable insight into the country’s rich genetic heritage and ancient migration patterns.