Preserving Traditional Ainu Dance

Obihiro City in Hokkaido, at the heart of the Tokachi region, has a population of approximately 160,000. The region situated in the middle reaches of the Tokachi River, one of Japan's largest, was home to the indigenous Ainu people. Thanks to the benefits of the river, the surrounding Tokachi Plain has flourished as area known for agriculture and dairy farming since the Meiji era, with vast farmlands that are a defining trait of Hokkaido.
The city is also blessed with abundant marine resources, including salmon and trout migrating upstream.

Obihiro City actively promotes preservation and education of Ainu culture. Among the various traditional Ainu dance groups, the Obihiro Kamuy To Upopo Preservation Society established in 1964 is one of the oldest, performing and teaching over 30 songs and dances nationwide.
In collaboration with the Obihiro Ainu Association, they organize events to promote Ainu culture, including classes in elementary schools, fostering cultural exchange, and continuing to pass down Ainu traditions from generation to generation.

This program showcases the activities of Ainu people living in Obihiro City and explores the spirit of the Ainu people, transcending a history of discrimination, depicting their efforts to pass their culture on from parents to children and grandchildren, while also exploring the future ahead.