essay

The origin of the Japanese in relation to other ethnic groups in East Asia

windows on the japanese past : studies in archaeology and prehistory • Ann Arbor, Mich. • Published In 1986 • Pages: 75-83

By: Hanihara, Kazurō.

Abstract

Hanihara presents an overview of the theories on the origins of the Japanese from the presepective of a physical anthropologist who studies modern groups. He also present a summary of the results of a ten year study of the Ainu and the Ryukyuans by himself and three other researchers. Yamaguchi Bin studied osteological materials, Misawa Shogo examined blood types, Omoto Keiichi looked at other blood factors, and Hanihara Kazuro studied tooth shape. Hanihara begins with the asumption the Japanese belong to the Mongoliod race and he believes many groups of people migrated to the Japanese islands from many directions and at many times and the groups '…interbred and underwent microevolution.' (page 83). He also proposes that 'At least since the Jomon period, there have been no large-scale population shifts or significant cross-breeding with new migrants.' (page 83). Hanihara looked at changes in East Asia populations over the last 20,000 years but only data that are or may be pertinent to Yayoi were indexed for OCM (Outline of Cultural Materials) subjects.

HRAF PubDate

2004

Region

Asia

Sub Region

East Asia

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Physical Anthropologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Sarah Berry ; 2003

Field Date

not specified

Coverage Date

20,000 BP-present

Coverage Place

Japan

Notes

Hanihara KazurO

Includes bibliographical references (p. 83)

LCCN

85016639

LCSH

Yayoi culture