Scientists Found a Missing Piece of Japan’s Past

A recent genetic study suggests that the ancestry of modern Japanese people may be more complex than previously believed.

For many years, the most widely accepted model proposed that modern Japanese populations descended primarily from two ancestral groups:

1. The ancient Jomon People
2. Later agricultural migrants from East Asia associated with the Yayoi period

However, new research supports the possibility of a third ancestral contribution.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers analyzed the genomes of more than 3,200 people from seven regions across Japan.

The study was published in Science Advances.

By examining complete genomes rather than smaller DNA samples, researchers were able to detect subtle population differences that may reflect ancient migration patterns.

Their findings support a “tripartite origins” model first proposed in 2021.

Under this model, modern Japanese ancestry may include:

• Jomon hunter-gatherers
• East Asian agricultural migrants
• A third group linked to northeastern Asia

Regional Differences Across Japan

The study found that ancestry patterns varied across different regions.

Okinawa

People from Okinawa showed the highest proportion of Jomon-related ancestry.

Researchers estimated approximately 28.5% Jomon ancestry in the sampled population.

Western Japan

Western regions showed stronger genetic connections to mainland East Asia.

This likely reflects later migration and cultural exchange with neighboring regions.

Northeastern Japan

The third ancestral signal appeared most strongly in northeastern Japan.

Researchers believe this component may be connected to populations from northeastern Asia.

Some scholars have suggested possible links to the:

Emishi

The origins of the Emishi remain a topic of historical and archaeological debate.

Ancient Human Relatives Still Leave Their Mark

The study also examined DNA inherited from extinct human relatives.

Modern Japanese genomes contain traces of:

• Neanderthals
• Denisovans

These genetic contributions are not unique to Japan.

Many modern populations outside Africa carry small amounts of Neanderthal DNA, while some Asian populations also carry Denisovan ancestry.

Health-Related Genetic Findings

Researchers identified dozens of archaic DNA regions still present in modern Japanese populations.

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