Understanding the Jomon People and Their Lasting Legacy
The Jomon period, spanning from approximately 16,000 to 2,300 years ago, represents one of the longest continuous hunter-gatherer cultures in human history. Named after their distinctive cord-marked pottery—a hallmark of early Japanese artistry—the Jomon people inhabited the Japanese archipelago during a time of significant climatic shifts following the last Ice Age. These prehistoric inhabitants relied on diverse resources, including marine life, nuts, and game, adapting to varied environments across Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
Genetic studies have long positioned the Jomon as basal to East Asian populations, with their DNA contributing to modern Japanese ancestry alongside later Yayoi migrants from the continent. This indigenous lineage offers crucial insights into early human adaptation in island settings. Recent advancements in ancient DNA analysis continue to refine our picture, particularly regarding regional variations within Japan.
🧬 The Enigma of East-West Genetic Differences
One persistent puzzle in Jomon population genetics has been the observed east-west divide. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), inherited solely from mothers, reveals two dominant haplogroups: N9b, prevalent in eastern Japan (e.g., 25 out of 32 eastern samples), and M7a, more common in the west (5 out of 8 western samples). This pattern fueled theories of multiple migration waves bringing distinct lineages to different parts of the archipelago.
Previous models suggested separate ancestral groups entering via northern (Hokkaido-linked) and southern routes, leading to genetic bifurcation. However, nuclear genome data hinted at a monophyletic (single-origin) Jomon population, creating tension between mtDNA patterns and broader genomic evidence. Resolving this required direct ancient DNA from Jomon skeletons combined with sophisticated modeling.
A Groundbreaking Study from University of Tokyo Researchers
Led by graduate student Koki Yoshida and Professor Hiroki Oota from the University of Tokyo's Department of Biological Sciences, a new publication in Anthropological Science (2026, Vol. 134, Issue 1) provides a paradigm shift. The team sequenced complete mitogenomes from 13 newly excavated Jomon individuals from Ichihara sites in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, adding to 27 previously published sequences for a total of 40.
This collaborative effort involved researchers from multiple Japanese institutions, including the University of Tokyo, showcasing the strength of higher education networks in advancing anthropological genetics. For those pursuing careers in this field, opportunities abound in research jobs at leading universities like the University of Tokyo.
Methods: Harnessing Whole-Mitogenome Sequencing and Bayesian Analysis
The study employed whole-mitogenome sequencing to capture the full 16,569 base pairs of mtDNA, offering higher resolution than partial sequences. Bayesian Skyline Plots (BSPs)—statistical tools that infer population size changes from mutation rates—were applied separately to eastern and western datasets, assuming minimal gene flow across the Chubu-Kinki boundary or Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line.
- Sample collection: 13 new from Incipient to Final Jomon phases (ca. 13,000–2,800 years ago).
- Phylogenetic networks: Visualized mutations and haplogroup clustering.
- Simulations: Wright-Fisher neutral model with varying initial effective population sizes (Ne = 1,000–10,000), split ratios (1:9 to 5:5), and migration rates (0–1% per generation).
These rigorous methods underscore the methodological evolution in paleogenomics, driven by Japanese university labs.
Key Discovery: Population Expansion in Eastern Japan
BSPs revealed a significant effective population size (Ne) increase between 13,000 and 8,000 years ago during the Incipient-Initial Jomon phases, absent in modern Japanese mtDNA due to later admixture. This boom was more pronounced in the east, aligning with archaeological evidence of site proliferation.
"We found that the Jomon population increased significantly... especially in eastern Japan," noted Yoshida. Eastern forests and coastal waters teemed with salmon, trout, and nuts, supporting denser settlements compared to the resource-scarce west.
💫 Genetic Drift: The Alternative to Multiple Migrations
Challenging migration hypotheses, simulations demonstrated that N9b-M7a frequency disparities (e.g., ≥0.5 difference) arise readily from genetic drift—random allele frequency changes in small populations. Under small initial Ne, extreme east-west splits, and low migration, such imbalances occur with ~30% probability over 1,000 generations (~25,000 years).
- Small Ne amplifies drift effects.
- Extreme splits (e.g., 1:9 east:west) heighten divergence.
- Limited migration preserves differences.
This supports a single Paleolithic migration ~25,000 years ago, with post-arrival isolation shaping structure—reconciling mtDNA with nuclear data.
Environmental and Cultural Drivers of Regional Divergence
Beyond genetics, the study links patterns to paleoecology. Eastern Japan's stable climate fostered larger groups, enabling cultural innovations like early pottery. Western limitations curbed expansion, fostering distinct adaptations. "These differences in climate and food resources may have created conditions... for larger demographic expansion," explained Yoshida.
This interdisciplinary lens highlights how environment influences genetics, a theme ripe for further university-led research.
Implications for Modern Japanese Ancestry and Health
Jomon DNA comprises 10-20% of contemporary Japanese genomes, higher in Ainu and Ryukyuans. Understanding drift clarifies admixture dynamics with Yayoi rice farmers. Variants like BRCA1 (east-enriched) trace to Jomon, informing predispositions to traits like obesity or asthma.Phys.org coverage
For genetics professionals, this opens doors in faculty positions focusing on population history.
Researcher Spotlights and Academic Contributions
Professor Hiroki Oota's lab at the University of Tokyo exemplifies excellence in ancient DNA. Collaborators like Jun Ohashi (human genetics) and Minoru Yoneda (radiocarbon dating) from other unis demonstrate networked higher ed impact. Aspiring researchers can rate professors or find mentors via Rate My Professor.
Publication in Anthropological Science, a prestigious Japanese journal, boosts CVs for Japan academic jobs.
Full paper DOI: 10.1537/ase.251024Future Outlook: Integrating Genetics, Archaeology, and Ecology
Gaps remain: BSPs show genetic growth not fully matching archaeological sites, urging multi-proxy studies. Nuclear genomes from more sites, climate modeling, and ecological simulations will refine models. Japanese universities are poised to lead, with funding for postdocs via postdoc jobs.
- Expand sampling across phases and regions.
- Model gene flow with Y-chromosome data.
- Link to modern health via Jomon-derived variants.
Why This Matters for Higher Education and Research Careers
This study exemplifies how Japanese higher ed drives global insights into human origins. For students and faculty, it highlights skills in bioinformatics, stats, and fieldwork. Explore higher ed career advice or university jobs in anthropology and genetics. In Japan, institutions like the University of Tokyo offer vibrant opportunities amid growing interest in paleogenomics.
