The special exhibition 'Ancient DNA - The Way of the Japanese People' opened at the National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo) on March 15, 2025, and runs until June 15, 2025. This unique exhibition combines anthropology and archaeology, showcasing findings from across Japan and shedding new light on the complex origins of the Japanese people.
The event is supervised by twelve anthropologists and archaeologists, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this expansive research. Among its notable contributors is Dr. Svante Pääbo, the 2022 Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine, who is recognized for his groundbreaking work on ancient DNA analysis. He sent a message for the exhibition, emphasizing how recent advancements reveal the Japanese population’s history to be much more diverse and complex than previously understood.
One of the exhibition's focal points is the 'No. 4 skeleton,' which dates back approximately 27,000 years and was discovered at the Shiraho Saonetabaru Cave Ruins on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture. This find marks the first successful analysis of the nuclear genome information from Old Stone Age remains, offering insights not only about the individual but also about wider human evolution.
During the exhibition preview held on March 14, 2025, Soichiro Tsukada, the director of the National Museum of Nature and Science, noted the exhibition provides “a different taste from what we have learned in textbooks.” He added, “This exhibition is not just about ancient bones; it helps us understand where we come from as people.”
The exhibition’s narrative begins with the Old Stone Age and traverses through the Jomon and Yayoi periods, continuing to the Kofun period and beyond. Each section presents artifacts, DNA analyses, and detailed descriptions of societal structures. For example, the Jomon section introduces clay figurines and pottery, which force us to rethink archaeologists’ past assumptions about social structures during this time. Traditional views held assumptions about relationships, such as two women buried together being of familial relations, but DNA analysis has proven otherwise. The results indicate they were not related, showcasing the complexity of Jomon society.
Evidence of interaction between the Jomon and Yayoi cultures is also explored. Contrary to earlier historical narratives, which portray the Yayoi as completely conquering the Jomon, recent findings suggest rice-growing was adopted over decades of cultural exchange rather than violent takeover. Yields from archaeological sites reveal the nuanced transitions between both societies.
The Kofun period highlights the shift toward political organization and complex burial practices. Among the discoveries this exhibition features is the analysis of four skeletons from Okayama Prefecture, where two of the women were identified as having the same father but different mothers, confirming the existence of half-siblings within these burial sites. Such revelations provide remarkable insights, marking the first recognized case of half-siblings from this era.
Accompanying the human remains are displays featuring ancient animals and their connections to human history. The exhibition also dives deep beneath the surface. Dogs and cats are prominently highlighted, tracing their introduction to Japan and their developing relationships with humans throughout the ages. The Jomon people first brought dogs to the Japanese archipelago approximately 10,000 years ago, whereas the domestication of cats occurred around the Yayoi period. Innovations around 1980 opening the field of ancient DNA studies have now enabled scientists to assess how these domesticated animals adapted alongside humans.
For science enthusiasts and history aficionados alike, the exhibition employs modern technology to present findings. NHK’s 8K resolution displays will bring the past vividly to life, helping visitors visualize ancient societies through detailed images and virtual reconstructions of ancient people’s faces based on genomic data.
“This is more than just ancient artifacts, it’s about telling stories,” remarked Sakura Hiragana, the event's official supporter who also promotes the exhibition's diverse educational offerings. “This exhibition is crafted so visitors can experience it from various perspectives, whether they're animal lovers or history buffs.”
The exhibition extends beyond Tokyo and will also tour to the Nagoya City Science Museum from July 19, 2025, to September 23, 2025, allowing more audiences to engage with the complex narrative of the Japanese people. Tickets for visitors are priced at 2,100 yen for adults and 600 yen for students. The National Museum of Nature and Science is open daily (except Mondays) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours on Saturdays and during certain holiday periods.
With its blend of science and narrative storytelling, 'Ancient DNA - The Way of the Japanese People' is poised to redefine public perceptions of Japanese identity and invite everyone to contemplate the rich history embedded within their own ancestry.