Genetic analysis reveals an alternative explanation for the Jomon migration to Japan
Phys.org
February 18, 2026
It's long been assumed the Jomon people, who had inhabited the Japanese archipelago since around 16,000 years ago, had multiple lineages resulting from different migration routes. But new genetic evidence, including mitochondrial DNA from 13 newly sequenced Jomon skeletons, suggests that an initial migration of a single lineage later split, giving rise to regional diversity. The findings are published in the journal Anthropological Science.
Verticals
sciencephysics
Originally published on Phys.org on 2/18/2026