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UPOPOY Library: Promoting Ainu Culture in Schools

The UPOPOY Library, managed by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation of Ainu Culture, is set to launch its annual program from January 26, 2026, to February 20, 2026, inviting high schools from across Japan (excluding Hokkaido) to participate. This initiative is part of the government's strategy to enhance the promotion of Ainu culture, aimed particularly at fostering cultural appreciation through literature.

What is UPOPOY Library?

The service provides a package containing 50 carefully selected books related to Ainu culture, available for six months at no cost to high schools and technical colleges outside of Hokkaido. This effort seeks to create opportunities for students, who may not often encounter Ainu culture in their daily lives, to engage with it through their educational environment.

By integrating the UPOPOY Library into their educational trips, participating schools can enrich their understanding of Ainu culture before and after visiting the UPOPOY, the National Ainu Museum and Park located in Shiraoi, Hokkaido.

Details for the 2026 Use

Eligible Participants:

• - High schools and technical colleges outside of Hokkaido

Lending Duration:

• - Select one: First half of the year (April - September) or second half (October - March)

Available Slots:

• - 17 schools per half-year

Cost:

• - Completely free (including shipping)

Application Process:

Schools can download the application form from the website and send it via email to the designated contact address.

Application Period:

The application window opens on January 26, 2026, and closes on February 20, 2026, at 5 PM.

For inquiries, please reach out to the UPOPOY Library team:

• - Email: upopoylibrary[at]ff-ainu.or.jp (replace [at] with @)

Past Lending Achievements

As of 2024, the UPOPOY Library has successfully lent packages to 35 high schools across 12 prefectures:

• - Kanto Region: Saitama (1 school), Tokyo (2 schools), Kanagawa (4 schools)
• - Kinki Region: Kyoto (1 school), Osaka (1 school)
• - Chugoku Region: Okayama (4 schools), Hiroshima (4 schools), Yamaguchi (1 school)
• - Shikoku Region: Tokushima (7 schools), Kagawa (6 schools), Ehime (3 schools)
• - Kyushu Region: Oita (1 school)

UPOPOY Library Events

Participating schools are also eligible for exclusive events that provide firsthand experiences of Ainu culture. These events are coordinated based on school requests and can include activities like the Mukkuri (jaw harp) experience and learning about cultural practices. Schools interested in hosting an event should contact the UPOPOY team at least three months in advance.

About UPOPOY

Opened in 2020, UPOPOY, or the National Ainu Museum and Park, serves as a center for the revival and creation of Ainu culture. It features Japan's first national museum dedicated to Ainu culture, an experiential field museum, and memorial facilities, providing a comprehensive environment to immerse oneself in the history and traditions of the Ainu people.

• - Official Website: UPOPOY
• - Instagram: @ainumuseumpark
• - Facebook: UPOPOY Page
• - YouTube: UPOPOY Channel

Location and Access

• - Address: 2 Chome-3 Wakakusa, Shiraoi, Hokkaido, 059-0902
• - Phone: 0144-82-3914 (Main)
• - Access: Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station; 40 minutes by highway or train from New Chitose Airport.
• - Admission Fee: Adults 1200 JPY, high school students 600 JPY, free for middle school students and younger.
• - Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
• - Closed: Mondays, December 29 to January 5, February 28 to March 9, and the following weekday if Monday is a holiday.

This unique offering from UPOPOY aims to widen the accessibility of Ainu culture and ensure it remains an integral part of not only Hokkaido but the entire nation’s educational landscape.