Tokyo – Who are the Ainu people? And what are their contributions to Japanese culture? If not for the UN General Assembly in 2007 that passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, would the Japanese government recognize Ainu as indigenous to the country? Many foreigners and even locals know little about the rich culture of this ethnic group. Throughout years of waiting and living in their lands in Hokkaido, many of the Ainu have experienced and continue to be victims of discrimination. Based on a 1984 record, the population of the Ainu people is estimated to be only around 24,000. This is particularly concerning to those who wish to preserve the distinct features and traditions of the community. The number of individuals who can fluently communicate in their native and currently endangered language is also steadily declining.
The Long Wait
Years of waiting for the proper recognition have taken their toll on the growth and development of this ethnic group, as well as the dissemination of information about the Ainu’s distinct Japanese ethnicity. As modernization takes over the streets and neighborhoods all over the country, the Ainu Museum and Cultural Village in Hokkaido do their best to encourage and inform individuals from all over the world, and even locals, to learn and understand Ainu history, practices, and lifestyle. Sadly, the number of individuals who are familiar with the concerns and practices of the Ainu has been decreasing.
Modern-Day Ainu
Nowadays, it is uncommon to see a modern-day Ainu. A lot of them do not want to introduce themselves as Ainu, or even associate themselves with the group because of the fear of being discriminated against. However, it is good to know that there are signs that the Japanese government is continuing with their efforts to address the needs of the minority groups in the country.
Based on the first-ever discrimination survey conducted by the government in 2015, there is still a significantly large number of people who are unaware of the social difficulties faced by the indigenous group. A surprising 72% of the Ainu correspondents shared that discrimination and prejudice are still prevalent. Meanwhile, non-Ainu Japanese (17.9%) responded that they are not aware of this issue.
Public Understanding
The results of the survey should only be the beginning of understanding and recognizing the importance of indigenous people as well as their social concerns. Aside from the government’s recognition and efforts, there is also a need to educate the public. Re-introducing the Ainu culture in a significant historical context is important to help preserve and further encourage support from locals, organizations, and the global community.
As another way to help in sharing the rich practices of the Ainu, the Ainu museum continues to present a relevant and helpful guide to those who want to look deeper into the lives of the people. Artifacts, stories, and various elements that provide concrete identification and connection to Ainu life are important in shaping a realistic image in the eyes of the public. Whether this action is a vivid reconstruction of the community or simply a re-imagined one, there is a need for the people to know about the social, economic, and cultural position of the Ainu.
Image from Geln.H flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/glenhsparky/5148149282/
