Researchers have long known when and where early modern humans settled in East Asia, but the details of how they crossed the sea between islands have remained unclear. Now, two new studies—featuring a canoe replica to explore Paleolithic migration, led by Professor Yousuke Kaifu of the University of Tokyo—offer new insights into that ancient journey.
The research, conducted with scientists from Japan and Taiwan, is published in the journal Science Advances.
Testing ancient methods on modern seas
One study used advanced computer simulations to examine whether a journey across the powerful Kuroshio Current was feasible using only the tools and knowledge available 30,000 years ago. The results showed that, with the right approach, early travelers could have crossed the current in a dugout canoe.
CRUZAN MAR EN CANOA PRIMITIVA PARA RECREAR VIAJE PREHISTÓRICO
Un equipo de científicos remó 225 km desde Taiwán hasta Japón en una canoa de madera, replicando una posible ruta migratoria paleolítica de hace 30,000 años.
La embarcación fue fabricada con herramientas de piedra,… pic.twitter.com/KGGbzWgKlB
— 24 Morelos (@24_morelos) June 26, 2025
The second study focused on real-world testing. The research team built a full-scale canoe using replicas of stone tools from the era. They named the 7.5-meter (24.6 feet) vessel Sugime, carved from a single Japanese cedar trunk.
A voyage by instinct and stars
In 2019, the team paddled Sugime from eastern Taiwan to Yonaguni Island in Japan’s Ryukyu chain. The 225-kilometer (around 140 miles) journey took over 45 hours. With no maps, compasses, or modern equipment, the crew relied on the sun, stars, ocean swells, and instinct to stay on course. For most of the trip, they could not see their destination.
Scientists used primitive canoes to replicate prehistoric navigation. Five scientists sailed about 225 kilometers on the high seas for more than 45 hours, and finally arrived at Yonaguni Island after fighting against the strong ocean current, the Kuroshio Current. pic.twitter.com/RJp0jQUoXT
— Charlotte now (@vnmglobal) June 26, 2025
“Archaeological evidence such as remains and artifacts can’t paint a full picture as the nature of the sea is that it washes such things away,” said Kaifu. “So, we turned to the idea of experimental archaeology, in a similar vein to the Kon-Tiki expedition of 1947 by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl.”
Even years later, the team continues to analyze data from the voyage to refine models of early sea travel.
Simulations reveal the strategic skills of early humans
The computer models tested hundreds of possible routes, starting points, and seasonal conditions. The findings showed that launching from northern Taiwan offered the best chance of success. The simulations also revealed that paddling slightly southeast helped offset the push of the Kuroshio Current.
Humans never cease to astonish. We made difficult sea crossings 30,000 years ago Then in 2019 using stone tools to make dugout canoes we recreate this journey to learn more about Paleolithic migration and navigation. pic.twitter.com/lQBDnPGU9Y
— Luke Glowacki (@HSB_Lab) June 26, 2025
“The results of our simulations went far beyond what I had imagined,” said Yu-Lin Chang, a co-author and oceanographer from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology. “I’m pleased this work helped illuminate how ocean voyages may have occurred 30,000 years ago.”
Early explorers likely never returned
While the canoe replica proved capable of crossing the sea, Kaifu believes early travelers likely made one-way journeys. “We do not think a return journey was possible,” he said. “If you have a map and know the flow pattern of the Kuroshio, you can plan a return journey, but such things probably did not take place until much later in history.”
Kaifu noted that, like the ancient Polynesians, these early humans likely read natural signs such as waves, stars, and winds. He explained, “For example, the ancient Polynesian people had no maps, but they could travel almost the entire Pacific.”
“There are a variety of signs on the ocean to know the right direction, such as visible land masses, heavenly bodies, swells, and winds. We learned parts of such techniques ourselves along the way.”
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