#Japan #Tokyo #Daikanyama #Ainu Culture #Upopoy

Experience Ainu Culture at Upopoy in Tokyo

The Upopoy, or Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony, located in Shirao, Hokkaido, will host a dedicated space at Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore in Tokyo from September 15 to 28, 2025. This special exhibit aims to deepen understanding of Ainu culture and encourage travel to Hokkaido. The event will showcase books related to Ainu culture and feature panels in Ainu language.

Background of the Event

This initiative is part of the "UPOPOY Visitor Promotion Strategy" by the Hokkaido Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which promotes Ainu culture in schools outside Hokkaido through the "UPOPOY LIBRARY" program, offering curated book packages for six months at no cost. Starting in the 2025 school year, over 33 schools from Kanto, Kinki, and Chugoku-Shikoku regions will benefit from this program.

Wider audiences, beyond school representatives, are invited to this unique opportunity to connect with Ainu cultural content through books at the Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore. Moreover, in October 2025, further displays and related events are planned at Tsutaya Bookstore in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Features of the Special Exhibit

1. Curated Ainu Books: Selected by the Tsutaya concierge and Upopoy staff, the displayed books fall into three categories:
- Books focusing on the cultural heritage of the Ainu people.
- Recommended reads for anybody interested in traveling to Hokkaido.
- Books to read before visiting Upopoy.

2. Spotlight on Hokkaido-UPOPOY: Experience the essence of Ainu culture through panels illustrating what visitors can see, feel, and touch when they visit Upopoy in Hokkaido. Visitors can also view a video showcasing the beautiful natural surroundings of the facility nestled by Lake Poroto.

3. Ainu Language Quiz: Engage in an interactive quiz about how various animals in Hokkaido are named in Ainu, learning while having fun.

Event Details

• - Dates: September 15-28, 2025
• - Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (as per bookstore's operating hours)
• - Location: Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore, 17-5 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0033

About Daikanyama Tsutaya

Daikanyama Tsutaya operates under the concept of a 'Cultural Fortress for Adults', linking a multitude of specialty shops along a pleasant walking path. The architecture and space design inspire mature adults, fulfilling their intellectual curiosity with unique offerings.
Hours of Operation: Open year-round, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM (with the bookstore operating from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
Access: A five-minute walk from Daikanyama Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. Less than five minutes from the Shibuya exit of the Shuto Expressway.

About Upopoy

Open since July 12, 2020, Upopoy serves as a base for the revitalization and creation of Ainu culture, featuring Japan’s first national Ainu museum, an experiential field museum, and facilities for respectful memorial ceremonies for the Ainu people. Situated by the picturesque Lake Poroto in Shirao, visitors can interact with Ainu culture and history from multiple perspectives.

Additional Information

• - Official Website: Upopoy
• - Official Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube.
• - Location: 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shirao, Hokkaido 059-0902
• - Contact: 0144-82-3914
• - Entry Fee: 1,200 JPY for adults, 600 JPY for high school students, free for middle school students and younger.

Note: Special rates apply for groups of over 20.

Join us to celebrate 14 days of cultural exploration and connection with Ainu heritage!