Although Hokkaido is part of Japan, it is highly distinct from the rest of the country.
Cultural HeritageThe Ainu have handed down a vast body of oral traditions. It was established around the 13th century. The Ainu believe in the interaction of nature, humans and the gods, and they utilize the nature around them for clothing, food and housing, and never take a life unnecessarily. Fish, bear meat and wild plants are gathered and stored in preparation for winter and times of famine. The Ainu also utilize nature in their clothing. Bird feathers are sewn together and the inner bark of elm or linden and woven nettle fiber are used for clothing, as is sealskin and bearskin. Ainu clothes are embroidered with unique patterns on the cuffs and hems as a prayer to prevent the entry of evil spirits.
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A Japanese Crane; the bird feathers they use for clothing.
MusicDancing and singing are very important to the Ainu who live in harmony with the gods and nature. The rhythm is provided by singing and handclapping without the addition of any musical instruments, and the women take the lead in dancing, which is a major characteristic. Watching these ancient dances performed in Ainu Kotan near Lake Akan-ko, you develop a true sense of the spirit of the Ainu people.
One musical instrument attributed to the Ainu is the "mukkuri", which is made from a small, thin piece of bamboo. The instrument is held just in front of the mouth and a sound is produced by pulling hard on an attached string to create a vibration. |
A Mukkuri |
Fun Fact:
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The brown bear is the largest land animal in Japan, and lives only in Hokkaido. Among all the animals, the brown bear is most referred by the Ainu as the god of mountains. The Ainu people consider hunting as a gift of help from the gods, and when they go into the mountains they believe they will bring a bear back home with them. When a brown bear is caught, the Ainu render thanks to the gods by offering a gift and "sending off the bear's spirit" in a ceremony called "IOMANTE".