Embark on a Journey: Scientists Paddle 225 KM in 5 Hours to Recreate the 30,000-Year-Old ‘Great Crossing’ from Taiwan to Japan

In the forests of eastern Taiwan, a group of scientists embarked on a mission to solve a long-standing mystery: How did early humans reach the remote islands of southern Japan without modern tools? They set out to recreate one of the earliest known sea voyages in human history, led by Professor Yousuke Kaifu from the University of Tokyo.

The journey took them across approximately 225 kilometers of open sea. They crafted a dugout canoe, called Sugime, using techniques and tools from 30,000 years ago. The canoe was made from a single log of Japanese cedar, hollowed out with a reconstructed Paleolithic axe, and the process was showcased at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo.

During this project, craftsman Kunihiro Amemiya highlighted the skills of ancient woodworkers, donning traditional clothing and sharing insights into the techniques used. Actress Hikari Mitsushima reflected on the canoe’s significance, suggesting that its creation preserves the memories of those who fashioned it.

In 2025, the team launched Sugime into the East China Sea, paddling for over 45 hours without maps or navigational aids, relying solely on the sun, stars, and ocean currents. Their target was Yonaguni Island, which they successfully reached. They concluded that these early humans must have had advanced seafaring skills. “This means they were not just passengers; they were skilled navigators,” noted Kaifu.

The researchers faced challenging conditions during their crossing, where visibility was often low. Their findings suggest that ancient humans navigated using instinct and experience—skills refined through generations. Additionally, they conducted over 300 virtual simulations to enhance their understanding of these ancient journeys. These simulations revealed that a slightly angled southeast course would increase their chances of a successful crossing, countering the powerful Kuroshio Current.

Dr. Yu-Lin K. Chang, an oceanographer involved in the simulations, expressed surprise at the results. “I thought if you entered it, you could only drift aimlessly,” he shared, pointing out that the models provided valuable insights beyond expectations.

This research not only supports the theory of early modern humans using canoes for migration but also draws intriguing parallels to later, successful seafaring cultures like the ancient Polynesians. Kaifu suggests that ancient navigators recognized signs in their surroundings—visible landmasses, celestial bodies, and ocean swells—enabling them to travel vast distances without modern maps.

The experiments shed light on the impressive capabilities of our ancestors and challenge our understanding of early human exploration. By blending ancient techniques with modern science, these researchers are rediscovering the remarkable journeys that shaped human history.

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