Japan: Ainu People of Hokkaido 2007
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Kanto Productions
Directed by Erkki Kanto
DVD, color, 22 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Travel and Tourism, Asian Studies, Anthropology
Date Entered: 05/09/2007
Reviewed by Maureen Donovan, The Ohio State UniversityAinu - People - Hokkaido, Japan is a short film introducing the Ainu people of Hokkaido (the northern island of Japan) and their culture. Clearly intended for tourists, the film includes travel tips and recommendations. Among its sponsors are the Japan National Tourist Organization in Los Angeles, three major hotel chains with locations in Sapporo (the capital city of Hokkaido) and FinnAir. The main focus is on exhibits at three Ainu museums: The Hokkaido Ainu Center (Sapporo), The Ainu Museum (Shiraoi), and the Ainu Culture Museum (Nibutani)
After providing general information about trains, hotels, spas, food and related matters, the film takes us to the Ainu Museum in Shiraoi where an Ainu performer plays the mukkuri (tension jaw harp) and we are introduced to Ainu costumes, fabric, dances, language, and the animistic religious beliefs of the Ainu people. Scholarly debates concerning the origin and history of the Ainu people are also introduced briefly.
An anthropologist at the Hokkaido Ainu Center (Sapporo), Christopher Loy, mentions that official census figures showing a population of about 25,000 Ainu are probably wrong, since many Ainu refuse to declare themselves for fear of discrimination. However, the long history of discrimination against Ainu and their difficult position in Japanese society is not explored to any further depth. Loy stresses the importance of viewing the Ainu people as comprising a number of groups that share some cultural and linguistic similarities, while at the same time showing great variation in dialects and clothing, embroidered motifs, beliefs, and other defining characteristics. When asked about any possible connection between the Ainu and the Finns, both of whose ancestors worshiped the bear and practiced shamanism, Loy demurs with a slight smile, stating that there is no indication of a connection between the Finns and the Ainu in recent history.
While this film is well made and includes some interesting material, overall its treatment of a complex topic is superficial. Nonetheless, viewing it may be helpful for tourists planning to visit Hokkaido.