[Virtual tour / FREE] Masters of Ainu Craftsmanship – Experience the traditions and culture of Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people
[Ainu Culture]
The Ainu are a people indigenous to the northern parts of the Japanese archipelago. Settling mostly in Hokkaido, they maintain and practice a unique traditional culture. Their spoken language, also called “”Ainu””, is a completely separate language from Japanese, and their religious beliefs maintain that all things in the natural world have a soul and thus deserve respect. They are renowned for expert craftsmanship in unique forms of embroidery and woodcarving, and also practice their own traditional dances at their tribal festivals, as well as for smaller family gatherings. There has been a recent revival of traditional music and dance, and the creation of new forms of Ainu music, spurred on through research into historical records.
[The Tour]
This time, we’ll visit Nibutani Kotan in Hokkaido. It’s a place of great importance to Ainu people, where a living Ainu culture continues to be passed down into the future. Visitors can’t help but be awed by the beautiful masterworks created by the skilled Ainu artisans living and working in Nibutani.Seeing the delicate patterns of the works, one can get a true feel for the importance of all things in nature. It’s the perfect place to experience and share in the spiritual world and natural harmony through the eyes of Ainu artisans.
Kaizawa Toru is one of the foremost figures of Ainu Art. We’ll have a chance to speak with the artisan himself, and learn about the special characteristics of Ainu art, his works, tools, and inspirations. We’re also welcoming questions from tour participants!
We’ll also visit “”Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum””, which has on display many works from Ainu artists, including some which are available for purchase.Currently, many Ainu artists reside in NIbutani Kotan, where they work to create masterful art pieces, and bring Ainu culture to the world. Take this opportunity to see the beauty and uniqueness of their works!
With this opportunity to experience Ainu culture, you’re sure to feel a renewed sense of awe and gratefulness towards nature, and a renewed hope for a world where diverse peoples can all live together in peace and harmony.
[Hokkaido “”Nibutani Kotan””]
Located in the streams of the Saru River, Nibutani Kotan is home to the highest proportion of Ainu people in Hokkaido. The village is made up of traditional Ainu houses, called “”Chise””, restored to their original condition. It also boasts a craft shop and museum that have inherited, and continue to promote Ainu culture and traditional craftsmanship.
English archaeologist and anthropologist Dr. Neil Gordon Munro is also well known for moving to Nibutani to study the Ainu way of life. Nibutani Kotan is a village where many Ainu artists continue to engage in creative activities in many fields, including crafts, fashion, and more.
[Artisan Kaizawa Toru]
Born in 1958, he was born to a craftsman father, and raised around like minded artisans. His great-grandfather, Kaizawa Utorentoku, was one of two Ainu artists particularly renowned for their artistic skill in the Meiji Era. Whilst valuing the traditions inherited from his great-grandfather, Kaizawa combines them with his own techniques to create original Ainu art which expresses his own personality and ideas.
He creates new works with ideas born from things he notices in his everyday life. One of his most representative works, “”Ukouku””, began with a picture of an Ainu woman’s hand tattoos, and was made with the intention of passing on culture from one generation to the next.
He has won numerous prizes, including the Hokkaido Governor’s Prize at the Hokkaido Ainu Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Manager of “”Kita no Kōbō – Tsutomu””.
■Tour Highlights
・ Experience the traditions and culture of Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people.
・ Visit a museum with 1,121 important tangible folk cultural assets on display.
・ Visit an Ainu artisan’s workshop, and speak with them in real time.
Starts at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 26th, Japan time
■Departure time
（ Access is possible from 11:00 AM Japan time from your respective time zones）
USA-February 25, 2021
6;00p.m. PDT /9:00p.m EDT /7:00p.m. MDT/8:00p.m. CDT/ 4:00p.m. HST/
Australia-February 26, 2021
13:00p.m. AEDT /12:00p.m. AEST /
Middle east-February 25, 2021
06:00a.m. GST
U.K.-February 26 2021
02:00a.m. BST
Southeast Asia-February 26, 2021
10:00a.m. SGT PHT
■Navigator
Roy (Ryoei AOKI)
The former director of Otaru Museum. Operating mainly in Hokkaido, he now works as a guide for tourists to Japan.
He hopes to show visitors from all over the world the unique, charming aspects of Hokkaido and Japan.
AloJapan.com