Japan's oldest human bone discovered in Okinawa

A human bone found in Okinawa, southern Japan, has been identified as the oldest remnants of man in the country -- estimated to go back around 20,000 years ago.

The bone was discovered in a cave on Ishigaki island, located in the southernmost part of Okinawa prefecture, along with 8 other human bones and massive animal remains.

A group of researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo, identified the fraction of bone -- 8 centimeters wide and 12 centimeters long -- as being about 20,000 years old, and belonging to the Paleolithic Period. It is believed to be part of the skull of a male in his 20s to 30s.

The latest discovery moves back about 6,000 years the date of the oldest human bone found in Japan. The oldest bone previously discovered was in Hamamatsu city, central Japan, which had been identified as 14,000 years old.

An anthropologist says it could provide important clues on how the Japanese race evolved. The expert says further research could shed light on the links between humans in Okinawa and those in mainland Japan.