Facility Information

Museum
National Ainu Museum

Japan’s northernmost national museum and the first one dedicated to the history and culture of the indigenous Ainu people.

The Ainu are an indigenous people from the northern region of the Japanese archipelago, particularly Hokkaido. The name “Ainu” is derived from the word aynu, which means “human being” in the Ainu language. The Ainu language, culture, and history are distinct from those of Wajin (ethnic Japanese), the ethnic majority in Japan. The National Ainu Museum’s objectives are to build a society where Ainu pride is recognized, raise awareness of Ainu history and culture, and help to forge a future for Ainu culture. The exhibitions are designed to explore Ainu history and culture from Ainu perspectives.

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National Ainu Museum
Facility Overview

Theater

Fitted with 96 seats and a large high-definition screen, the theater shows short films introducing various aspects of Ainu culture.

Permanent Exhibition Room

The permanent exhibition explores six themes from an Ainu perspective: Language, Universe, Lives, History, Work, and Exchange.

Special Exhibition Room

The special exhibition room displays exhibits relating to studies and research into the culture of the Ainu and other indigenous peoples and also hosts exhibitions on a range of other topics.

Museum Program

- Museum Program
Exhibits
- National Ainu Museum
The permanent exhibition introduces the Ainu language, history and culture from the perspectives of the Ainu.
In addition, special and thematic exhibitions are organized several times throughout the year.
- Museum Program
Theater Programs “Ainu History and Culture”
- National Ainu Museum
A short film exploring Ainu history and culture, from the first human settlement on the Japanese archipelago to the present day.
- Museum Program
Theater Programs “Ainu Crafts Gain Worldwide Attention”
- National Ainu Museum
A short film featuring Ainu-related materials at museums in Europe and the United States and exploring the work of researchers in various countries.
- Museum Program
Theater Programs “Everyday Ainu (Fudangi no Ainu)”
- National Ainu Museum
Directed by Oki Kano, an active Tonkori player, this documentary presents 'Fudangi no Ainu' living in the today's world, thoughtfully exploring the life purpose of each featured individual.