You're thinking of the Ainu People. For a long time, it was assumed that the Ainus were descended from Caucasians who migrated to Japan. Recent genetic studies have shown that they're closely related to Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese, and that their European-like features (round eyes, light complexion, extensive facial and body hair) are a case of accidental convergence.
are a case of accidental convergence.
One hot theory about the Ainu is that their distant ancestors, 15,000 years ago followed the arctic shore line for generations and ended up populating the Americas.