Description
Haplogroup C1a1 (M8) is one of the most distinctive and ancient paternal lineages of Japan. It is widely regarded as a signature lineage of the Jomon people, the indigenous hunter-gatherers who inhabited the Japanese archipelago for over 10,000 years before the arrival of agriculturalists from the mainland. While it exists alongside the more common D-M174 lineage, C1a1 represents a separate and even earlier wave of migration that reached Japan via a coastal route.
Interesting Fact
C1a1 is found almost exclusively in Japan, with its highest frequencies in the Ryukyu Islands and among the Ainu descendants, making it a crucial genetic link to Japan's prehistoric past.
Distribution by Ethnicity
| Ethnic distribution | Region | Frequency | Sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | East Asia | n=1000 | |
| Ryukyuans | East Asia | n=300 | |
| Ainu descendants | East Asia | n=50 |
Tags
References
- Zhong et al. (2010) — Global distribution of Y-chromosome haplogroup C reveals the prehistoric migration routes of African exodus and reconvergence in East Asia. Journal of Human Genetics 55, 428–435.
- Hammer et al. (2006) — Dual origins of the Japanese: common ground for hunter-gatherer and farmer Y chromosomes. Journal of Human Genetics 51, 47–58.