Ancient DNA extracted from human bones has rewritten early Japanese history by underlining that modern-day populations in Japan have a tripartite genetic origin. A finding that refines previously accepted views of a dual genomic ancestry.
Twelve newly sequenced ancient Japanese genomes show that modern-day populations do indeed show the genetic signatures of early indigenous Jomon hunter-gatherer-fishers and immigrant Yayoi farmers – but also add a third genetic component that is linked to the Kofun peoples, whose culture spread in Japan between the 3rd and 7th centuries.
The eye-opening research has just been published in the leading international journal Science Advances.
