A deep stratified rock shelter in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, of the Late Palaeolithic and yielding Initial Jomon pottery (with geometric designs) together with obsidian microliths. The stone tools from the oldest layer, dated older than 31,900 years, are among the earliest evidence of human occupation of Japan. Microblades continue into the two early ceramic layers, suggesting a continuity in stone tools when potterymaking began in Japan. The older ceramic layer, dated to 10,650 bc, contained linear-relief pottery, while the younger one, dated to 10,450 bc, included fingernail-impressed ware. The ceramics have been dated by radiocarbon to 12,700 bp, the earliest occurrence in the world of ceramic vessels.