Discoveries from human remains dating back to the Yayoi period around 2,300 years ago have shed light on ancient immigration patterns to Japan. A team of researchers led by Jonghyun Kim and Jun Ohashi from the University of Tokyo revealed that a significant portion of immigrants during the Yayoi and Kofun periods originated from the Korean Peninsula.
The study involved analyzing the complete genome of an individual from the “Yayoi” era, showing close genetic similarities with Korean populations among non-Japanese groups. This insight challenges previous beliefs about Japanese population ancestry and provides new perspectives on historical migration trends in the region.
Published in the Journal of Human Genetics, these findings offer a glimpse into Japan’s past when it was more isolated before becoming a diverse cultural melting pot. The research highlights how immigration shaped modern Japanese genetics and emphasizes ongoing debates between two-way and three-way admixture models to explain this genetic diversity.
As Japan continues to thrive as a global destination for business and leisure, understanding its deep-rooted history adds layers to its vibrant identity. The study’s revelations open doors for further exploration into ancient civilizations’ interactions across East Asia.
2024-10-15 01:15:02
Post originally published on phys.org