National Ainu Museum

The National Ainu Museum was established as part of the government's broader efforts to promote Ainu culture, following the 2008 resolution by the Japanese Diet that recognized the Ainu as an indigenous people. The museum opened on July 12, 2020, within the Upopoy national center for the revival of Ainu culture, which also includes a memorial site and a traditional village. The facility was built in Shiraoi, a town with deep historical ties to the Ainu, and it replaced the former Ainu Museum that operated there from 1984 to 2018. The museum's name, Upopoy, means "singing together" in the Ainu language, reflecting its mission to foster cultural exchange and understanding.

The museum houses a comprehensive collection of over 2,000 items, including traditional Ainu clothing, tools, and ritual objects, many of which are designated as Important Cultural Properties. Its permanent exhibition is organized into six thematic zones, covering topics such as Ainu history, daily life, and worldview. Notable exhibits include a full-scale replica of a traditional Ainu dwelling (cise), and a large collection of ikupasuy (prayer sticks) and attus (bark-cloth robes). The museum also features interactive displays and audio-visual presentations that allow visitors to experience Ainu music and language. Temporary exhibitions are held regularly, often in collaboration with other museums and cultural institutions.

Beyond its public exhibitions, the National Ainu Museum serves as a national research center for Ainu studies, conducting fieldwork, archiving oral traditions, and supporting academic research. It maintains a library and a digital archive that are accessible to scholars and the public. The museum plays a key role in the revitalization of the Ainu language, offering language classes and producing educational materials. It also collaborates with Ainu communities to ensure that cultural practices are passed down to younger generations. The museum's research activities are guided by the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which Japan endorsed in 2007.

One lesser-known aspect is that the museum's collection includes items repatriated from overseas institutions, such as the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, which returned Ainu remains and artifacts in 2020. Another is that the museum's building was designed by architect Kuma Kengo, who is known for his use of natural materials, and it features a distinctive roof inspired by Ainu patterns. The museum also operates a traditional Ainu village (kotan) where visitors can observe craft demonstrations and participate in cultural workshops. Additionally, the museum has a dedicated space for the Ainu religion, including a sacred area (nusa) that is not open to the public but is used for ceremonies. The museum's efforts have been praised by indigenous rights advocates, though some have criticized the government for not going far enough in addressing historical injustices.

Ainu

An indigenous people of Japan, primarily from Hokkaido, with their own language and culture.

Upopoy

The national center for the revival of Ainu culture, which includes the National Ainu Museum.

Kotan

A traditional Ainu village or settlement.

Ikupasuy

A wooden prayer stick used in Ainu rituals.

Attus

A traditional Ainu robe made from the bark of the elm tree.

Cise

A traditional Ainu dwelling, typically made of grass and wood.