Ainu woman holding a child standing outside

The Ainu are an indigenous people of Japan with a distinct culture and history. Their traditional way of life was based on hunting, fishing and gathering, and they have a deep spiritual connection to the natural world. The Ainu language is unique and unlike any other language in Japan. In Ainu culture, bears are considered sacred and are believed to be messengers between the human and spiritual worlds. The Ainu have a tradition of bear worship and hold annual ceremonies to honour and thank the bears for their gifts of meat, fur and bones. Tattooing is also an important part of Ainu culture, with both men and women getting tattoos on their arms, hands and faces. These tattoos were often used to indicate social status or to mark important life events. In the past, the Ainu faced discrimination and assimilation policies from the Japanese government, which led to a decline in their population and cultural practices. In recent years, however, there has been a renewed interest in Ainu culture and efforts to preserve and celebrate their traditions.