Genomic insights into a tripartite ancestry in the Southern Ryukyu Islands

Abstract A tripartite structure for the genetic origin of Japanese populations states that present-day are descended from three main ancestors: 1) indigenous Jomon hunter-gatherers, 2) a Northeast Asian component arrived during agrarian Yayoi period, and 3) major influx East ancestry in imperial Kofun period. However, heterogeneity observed different regions archipelago highlights need to assess applicability suitability this model. Here, we analyze historic genomes southern Ryukyu Islands, which have unique cultural historical backgrounds compared with other parts Japan. Our analysis supports as best fit region, significantly higher estimated proportions than mainland Japanese. Unlike islands, where each continental ancestor was directly brought by immigrants continent, those who already possessed migrated Islands admixed prehistoric people around 11th century AD, coinciding emergence Gusuku These results reaffirm model southernmost extremes show variability how emerged diverse geographic regions.