Religion

             The Ainu embrace animism, believing that spirits, or kamuy, inhabit everything in nature. They hold that while the physical and spiritual worlds exist separately, even inanimate objects—such as trees, tools, and rocks—harbor spirits and are essentially immortal. In this worldview, the human body serves as a vessel for the spirit. Upon death, this spirit departs through the mouth and nostrils, transitioning to another realm where it is reborn as a kamuy. Within that realm, the kamuy's eventual death results in its reincarnation back into the natural world. This cyclical journey underpins the relationship between humans and kamuy. Humans communicate with these spirits through prayer, often using prayer sticks, and ceremonies are held to appease any offended kamuy.

             There's a hierarchy among kamuy, with distinct names representing different domains. For example, Kotan-kor-kamuy, appearing as a long-eared owl, is the creator deity and guardian of villages. Repun Kamuy rules the seas, often symbolized as an orca, while Shiramba Kamuy presides over forests.

             Historically, between 1899 and 1997, external pressures compelled the Ainu to assimilate into Japanese culture. During this period, many intrinsic Ainu practices, like their language and traditional hunting methods, were outlawed. However, in 2008, Japan officially acknowledged the Ainu as its indigenous populace, granting them the freedom to embrace and showcase their unique culture.

             Traditionally, significant kamuy include Kamui Fushi, the hearth goddess; Kim Unkamui, deity of bears and mountains; and Lepung Kamui, god of marine life. While the Ainu lack dedicated religious clerics, village leaders officiate at spiritual ceremonies. Rituals predominantly involve alcohol consumption, prayer recitations, and offering inaw (singular) or nusa (plural), which are willow sticks adorned with shavings, symbolizing respect for animal spirits. When ill, the Ainu turn to the fire deity for solace. They believe in soul immortality and hope to ascend to Kamuy Mosir, the God's Kingdom, posthumously.

             Over time, as they integrated into Japanese society, many Ainu adopted Buddhism and Shintoism. Some in regions under Russian influence, such as Shikotan Island, joined the Russian Orthodox Church. However, this conversion was minimal, and those who did were often derided by fellow Ainu as "Nutsa Ainu" (Russian Ainu). Nonetheless, records suggest that a significant number of Ainu still revere ancient deities. A 2012 Hokkaido University survey indicated that many Ainu identify with family religions like Buddhism, similar to the broader Japanese population's religious stance.