National / Media | BIG IN JAPAN Nov 20, 2021
Yukar: The timeless oral tales that are our window on Ainu life
by Michael Hoffman
Civilization overwhelmed Japan’s indigenous population about 100 years ago.
National / Social Issues | Regional Voices: Hokkaido Jun 28, 2021
Discrimination and inertia slow use of Ainu grants, two years after launch
The first law recognizing the Ainu ethnic minority as an Indigenous people took effect in May 2019, with that legislation designed to protect and promote their culture through subsidies.
National / History | JAPAN TIMES GONE BY Jun 6, 2021
As witnesses took to the stand at the 1946 Tokyo trials, they addressed the propaganda campaign that led the Japanese to think they were superior. Attitudes hadn't changed 25 years later.
National / History | THE LIVING PAST May 17, 2021
When Japan's pioneers migrated north to Ezo
by Michael Hoffman
As Japanese discovered the vast northern part of their lands, a pioneer spirit took hold. How long would the Ainu tolerate them?
DEEP DIVE Nov 11, 2020
Episode 72: Preserving the endangered Ainu language
by Oscar Boyd and Mara Budgen
The Ainu language has been declared critically endangered by UNESCO, with few people left alive today who speak it. The Ainu are Japan's indigenous population and Japan Times contributor Mara Budgen has been meeting with them to better understand their remaining culture, the difficulties they ...
National / Social Issues Oct 25, 2020
The Ainu language and the global movement for indigenous rights
by Mara Budgen and Francesco Bassetti
With the Ainu language considered to be on the brink of extinction, global connections are breathing new life into revitalization efforts.
Film / Reviews Oct 21, 2020
‘Ainu Mosir’: A coming-of-age tale, respectfully told
by Mark Schilling
Takeshi Fukunaga’s film centered on the indigenous people of northern Japan tells the story of a 14-year-old boy learning to appreciate his heritage.
National / Crime & Legal Aug 17, 2020
Ainu group's fishing lawsuit is first to seek confirmation of indigenous rights
A group representing the ethnic minority in northern Japan is seeking an exemption from a ban on the commercial fishing of salmon in rivers.
National Jul 12, 2020
The 8,600-square-meter museum, a park and a memorial make up the complex named Upopoy, which means "singing in a large group" in the Ainu language.
National Jun 3, 2020
'AINU' trademark application criticized by Japan's indigenous people
An application by an individual in China to register a trademark using the name of Japan's indigenous Ainu people has been criticized for being an attempt to profit off their culture. Documents disclosed by the Japan Patent Office showed Wednesday that an application was lodged ...
National Feb 22, 2020
Olympic snub: Dance of Japan's indigenous Ainu dropped from opening ceremony
Olympic organizers have dropped a dance by Japan's indigenous Ainu people from the opening ceremony of this year's Summer Games, a representative of the minority group said on Friday. "Ainu dancers will not be included in the opening ceremony in Tokyo," said Kazuaki Kaizawa, an ...
National / Politics Jan 14, 2020
Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso again courts controversy with remarks about Japan's ethnic identity
Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso apologized Tuesday for saying Japan has been unified under a single language and ethnic identity for the past 2,000 years, a comment viewed as ignoring the country's ethnic minorities including the indigenous Ainu. "If I made a remark that has ...