W e l c o m e t o U P O P O Y Let's have fun at Upopoy in winter.

Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park

Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park serves as the national center for the transmission of Ainu history and culture. It was inaugurated in July 2020 in Shiraoi Town, located on Hokkaido’s southwestern coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean.<br>Upopoy is a space dedicated to preserving and sharing Ainu culture, which has been cultivated over its long history in harmony with nature, from multiple perspectives. It also serves as a symbol of a society where mutual respect and coexistence are embraced. Upopoy provides the essential functions for people of all ages, both from within Japan and beyond, to explore and understand the worldview of the Ainu and their relationship with nature. Upopoy is an Ainu term meaning “singing in a large group.”

Ainu culture

The Ainu are an indigenous people in and around the northern part of the Japanese archipelago, especially in Hokkaido.<br>They have fostered a distinct culture encompassing the Ainu language, with linguistic roots different from those of the Japanese language; a spiritual culture where they believe that everything in the natural world has a spirit; traditional dances performed at festivals and family events; and crafts including embroidery with distinctive patterns and woodcarving. More and more people are working to revive traditional Ainu dances from ancient records and to create new Ainu music.

Offered by Upopoy This Winter.  Special Experiential Tours

Special Experience of Traditional Ainu Culture

This special program offers participants an exclusive opportunity to experience traditional Ainu dances, crafts, and culinary culture at the Akasaka Palace state guest house, often referred to as the face of Japan. Seize this opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Ainu culture, engaging all your senses.

(Source: Cabinet Office State Guest Houses website)
Date
February 26, 2024 (Monday)
Venue
Akasaka Palace state guest house (subject to change)
Fee
Please check the application website.
Capacity
50 people
Program
●Performance of traditional Ainu dances ●Exhibition and explanation of traditional Ainu crafts ●Tour of the palace ●Enjoyment of dishes inspired by traditional Ainu cuisine, and more

*Please note that the program is subject to change.