Hokkaido formally celebrated the 150th anniversary of its name Sunday in Sapporo, with the Emperor and Empress in attendance and Ainu representatives performing traditional dances.
The island prefecture was officially named Hokkaido on Aug. 15, 1869, and formally put under the control of the government. Now a number of events have been organized in Hokkaido to celebrate the anniversary year.
At Sunday's ceremony, Hokkaido Gov. Harumi Takahashi said a national museum for Ainu culture will open in 2020 in the Shiraoi district, not far from New Chitose Airport.