Work

Traditionally, the Ainu captured animals such as bears and deer in the mountains. In addition to picking wild plants such as victory onion in spring, giant lily in summer and crimson glory vine in fall, cereals and vegetables were also grown in fields in some regions. Along the coast, seals and swordfish were hunted and kelp was gathered. The salmon that climb the rivers each fall were also an important food source. The Ainu’s way of life has changed over the years. Ainu people today do a variety of work that did not exist before, and continue to adapt their way of living to the changing times.