Ancient DNA Study Reveals Korean Roots of Japan's Early Inhabitants

Genetic analysis of a 2,300-year-old Yayoi skeleton shows significant Korean ancestry among early Japanese populations.

The study analyzed the complete genome of a Yayoi period individual from the Doigahama archaeological site in Japan.
Findings indicate that the majority of immigrants to Japan during the Yayoi and Kofun periods came from the Korean Peninsula.
The research challenges the three-way admixture model, suggesting a more direct Korean influence on Japanese genetic ancestry.
Modern Japanese populations have over 80% of their genetic makeup from East and Northeast Asian ancestries.
Future research aims to analyze more Yayoi genomes to understand the extent of admixture with indigenous Jomon people.