The Ainu language is in its own language family, and as a 'language isolate' (with no known related languages) is distinct from Japanese. In the past it has largely been passed down by word of mouth and has been central to the transmission of Ainu culture. Today, Sekine Kenji leads the children’s Ainu language classes in the Nibutani Community Centre each week. The language is learned through games, songs, written exercises and dances. Join a series of Ainu language events held at Japan House Lo

In Japan’s north, Ainu women were once known for their striking tattooed lips and hands—a symbol of beauty, strength, and identity. | Unrestricted Borders

Discover the intricate process of creating an Ainu 'ita' with young woodcarver Hiramura Daiki. Hiramura Daiki was born in Biratori and learned woodcarving techniques from expert Nibutani craftspeople. In his second year of carving, he entered his first Ainu crafts competition and won his first prize. His aim is to use woodcarving to make more people aware of the fascinating nature of Ainu culture. The production of carved wooden plates or trays called Nibutani 'ita' has been named an ‘Official D

Gea group visited the Ainu Museum. We even got to experience traditional Ainu attire. Ainu people are the indigenous people of Hokkaido, Japan, as well as parts of Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. They lived in Hokkaido long before modern Japanese settlers. Their way of life is deeply connected to nature—fishing, hunting, and gathering They have their own language, beliefs, clothing, music, and traditions They believe natural elements like animals, rivers, and mountains have spirits. | G.E.A