#Japan #Shibuya #Ainu Culture #Dunkara

Ainu Culture Exhibit in Shibuya

The Dunkara Collaborative Exhibition, running from June 28 to September 23, 2023, at Kokugakuin University Museum in Shibuya, Tokyo, celebrates the rich and diverse Ainu culture. This initiative is part of a national collaboration involving the National Ainu Museum and 74 member institutions across Hokkaido. The exhibition aims not only to present Ainu heritage but also to stimulate comprehensive understanding and recognition of Ainu history and culture among general audiences.

Understanding the Ainu

The Ainu people have faced significant challenges throughout Japan's modernization process, particularly due to policies promoting assimilation. Despite these challenges, the Ainu have endeavored to maintain their unique identity and revitalize their traditional culture. This exhibition seeks to deepen visitors' understanding of these historical contexts and the current efforts of the Ainu community. It highlights the importance of multicultural coexistence and creates a space for reflection upon these themes.

The term 'Dunkara,' derived from the word for the vine of plants like grapes, symbolizes the interconnectedness fostered by this collaborative network.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition, titled “Punkar Network x TOKYO 2025 Ainu Mosir - The World of Ainu and Diverse Cultures”, will take place at the Kokugakuin University Museum located at 4-10-28 Higashi, Shibuya, Tokyo. Entry is free, providing many an opportunity to delve into Ainu culture. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last admission at 5:30 PM. Please note that it will be closed every Monday (excluding holidays) and from August 12 to 21.

Featured Materials

The exhibition showcases a range of historical resources, including:

• - Edo-period geographical books and ethnographic materials
• - Exploration records by Matsura Takeshirō, known for his surveys of the Ezo region during the late Edo period
• - Various reports illustrating the injustices faced by the Ainu
• - A collection of Ainu dialect and cultural artifacts housed at the National Ainu Museum
• - Modern Ainu artworks contributed by the Ainu Cultural Foundation

Related Events

In conjunction with the exhibition, several events will be hosted:

Museum Talks (No Reservations Needed)

• - “Matsura Takeshirō and Hokkaido”: August 2, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, hosted by Takashi Uchikawa, Vice Director of Kokugakuin University Museum.
• - “Depictions of Ainu People”: September 20, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, hosted by Toshikazu Sasaki, Director of the Ainu Cultural Research Center at Hokkaido Museum.

Workshops by Upopoy (Reservations Required)

• - Mukkuri Playing Experience: July 20, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, limited to 30 participants.
• - DIY Ainu Patterns: August 30, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a limit of 20 participants.
• - Ainu Pattern Embroidery Workshop: Two sessions on August 31 (2:00 PM and 3:30 PM) with 5 participants each.

Lectures (Reservations Required)

“Understanding Ainu Culture”: September 6, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, featuring topics on Northern ethnic groups and Ainu culture, various dialects, and traditional clothing.

Performances (Reservations Required)

“Traditional Ainu Arts - Songs and Instruments” by the Akank Ainu Cultural Preservation Association: September 6, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

This exhibition is a rich opportunity for learning and appreciation of the Ainu's contributions to Japan’s multicultural tapestry. Discover the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity and engage with the Ainu community's vibrant culture at this collaborative exhibition.

For more information about the exhibition and related events, visit the official Kokugakuin University Museum website.