Ancient Genomes Reveal Early-Stage Admixture and Genetic Diversity in the Northwestern Kyushu Yayoi

Abstract

The Northwestern Kyushu Yayoi are known for exhibiting morphological traits similar to those of the Jomon people, distinguishing them from other Yayoi populations, including the Northern Kyushu Yayoi. To investigate their genetic background, we analyzed the genomes of four ancient individuals from two Middle Yayoi period sites in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan: one from the Shomura site on Iki Island and three from the Neshiko site on Hirado Island. These analysis highlight the complex and regionally variable dynamics of admixture and the subsequent spread of admixed populations during the Yayoi period in the Japanese Archipelago.