In Nibutani, Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaido, roughly 80 percent of residents are of Ainu descent.
Yoshihiro Osada, 38 (Ainu)
Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum
Nibutani is all about preserving and continuing Ainu traditions and culture, and I think that in the future our reputation will grow and grow. We’ll tend the forests and the riverside scenery, and organize ourselves in stronger ways for the benefit of our village’s community.
Yufu Kaizawa
Student, 14 (Ainu)
I think Nibutani will keep passing down Ainu culture and, over time, the surrounding towns will become more aware of the Ainu way of life. The homes in which we live may evolve in 100 years, but we’ll never get rid of Nibutani’s old thatch Ainu houses.
Mr. Shige
Farmer, 50 (Ainu)
I think the traditional craftsmen here will disappear. Thirty years ago, there were lots of tourists and gift shops. They can’t sell much these days, and the wood and stone craftsmen are suffering. But who knows, maybe in the future there will be a resurgence in tourism.
Megumi Hiraoka
Office worker, 29 (Japanese)
When we were driving here, the river looked so wide and beautiful from the road, and I really hope that never changes. We looked inside a traditional Ainu house, and I’ve learned a lot; I didn’t know much about the Ainu until we came here.
Tsuto Hiraoka
Office worker, 29 (Japanese)
It’s my first time in Nibutani. I hope it doesn’t change at all in the next 100 years! I do think it will naturally become ever more abundant. I hope in the future I’ll be able to come and visit again with my children and my children’s children
Yoshikazu Yasuda
Woodworker, 32 (Ainu)
I really hope Nibutani hasn’t changed in 100 years’ time. Ainu culture could fade out over the course of a century, so we have to put more effort into preserving our way of life. My favorite thing about Nibutani is getting together for dinner with the other villagers!