Rights groups criticized the government Friday over a recent bill recognizing the Ainu people for the first time as "an indigenous group," saying that despite the wording, it treats them as a tourist attraction and does not do enough to reverse the historical discrimination they have suffered.

Calling the bill "deplorable," some representatives of the ethnic minority, which has roots in Hokkaido, said the group's voices and rights have been ignored.

The bill, which the Cabinet approved on Feb. 15, says its objective is to "realize a society which will respect the pride of the Ainu," who also live in parts of Russia.