Transcript:​

Mr. Takeuchi: Growing up in an Ainu community, my childhood was filled with memories of playing with other kids and being exposed to traditions that felt almost forbidden. We didn’t learn the Ainu language because our parents believed that it was more important to speak Japanese. They told us that embracing Japanese culture would protect us from discrimination and give us a chance to succeed. Even though it meant losing touch with our heritage, they thought it was necessary.

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Keita: That must have been incredibly difficult. It’s like your culture was being erased for the sake of survival.

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Mr. Takeuchi: It was, and that’s exactly how it felt. We were constantly mocked for our heritage. People would call us “dirty” and make fun of us for being Ainu. But our parents always said not to hate the Wajin (ethnic Japanese). They’d tell us, “This is just how things are. Adapt and don’t make trouble.” It’s a mentality that helped us endure, but looking back, it’s painful to realize how much of our culture we had to hide or forget just to fit in.

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Keita: When did you start to feel differently about your identity? Was there a turning point?

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Mr. Takeuchi: It wasn’t an overnight realization, but meeting Shigeru Kayano was a game changer for me. He’s a legend in our community, someone who devoted his life to Ainu cultural preservation. I remember hearing him say, “I tried to hide, but I am Ainu.” That struck a chord with me because it perfectly described the inner struggle so many of us felt. At the First Ainu Cultural Festival, I wore traditional Ainu clothes for the first time in public, and it was such an empowering moment. I felt a sense of pride that I had never experienced before.

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Keita: That must have been so empowering. What were those festivals like?

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Mr. Takeuchi: They were incredible. It was more than just a cultural gathering; it felt like a declaration of our survival. We learned traditional dances, listened to Ainu songs, and shared stories about our ancestors. It was at these events that I met people like Tamotsu Nabesawa and Reiko Kayano, who were also passionate about preserving our culture. It wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about reclaiming what was nearly lost. These gatherings were crucial for reinforcing our sense of community and cultural pride.

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Keita: How has the perception of Ainu people changed in modern Japan?

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Mr. Takeuchi: In places like Nibutani, where Ainu culture is more visible, we don’t face as much overt discrimination. But once you leave these areas and go to cities like Sapporo or Tokyo, it’s a different story. Prejudice is still very real, and it forces many Ainu to keep their heritage hidden. I’d estimate that around 80% of Ainu people don’t openly identify as Ainu, even today. It’s hard to feel fully accepted when society still sees us as different. We speak Japanese, eat Japanese food, and do our best to blend in, but the fear of discrimination never really goes away.

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Keita: That’s heartbreaking. How do you feel about the role of tourism in Hokkaido? Has it helped or hurt your community?

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Mr. Takeuchi: It’s a complicated issue. On the one hand, tourism has brought some visibility to Ainu culture, and there’s value in that. But on the other hand, it often feels exploitative. Tourists come to learn about our culture, take photos, buy souvenirs, and then leave without giving anything back. It feels like they’re taking pieces of our heritage without understanding the struggles that come with it. Some Ainu feel deeply hurt by this and have become activists to fight for more respectful engagement. But many others just don’t want to get involved in politics or activism. It’s a constant struggle between wanting recognition and wanting to protect what’s left of our culture.

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Keita: Are there any young people who are passionate about preserving Ainu traditions?

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Mr. Takeuchi: Yes, and that gives me hope. Some young Ainu are very active on social media, raising awareness and advocating for our rights. They talk about cultural pride and the importance of preserving our language and traditions. But it’s still not easy. The fear of stigma and the memories of past discrimination linger. Many young people feel torn between wanting to be proud of their heritage and fearing the consequences of embracing it openly. We’re working on creating more opportunities for them, like scholarships and cultural education, but there’s still a long way to go.

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Keita: What has the government done to support the Ainu community?

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Mr. Takeuchi: The Japanese government has made some progress, like officially recognizing us as indigenous people. But that’s just a start. We still lack comprehensive support for cultural preservation, education, and economic development. In Nibutani, we have programs to teach traditional practices and organize ceremonies, but we need broader initiatives that go beyond symbolic recognition. Educating the public about Ainu history is crucial. People need to understand that our culture is not just a relic of the past but a living, evolving part of Japan.

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Keita: You mentioned the influence of foreign powers, like the US, on Ainu history. Can you elaborate?

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Mr. Takeuchi: Absolutely. After World War II, Okinawa faced intense challenges because of the US military presence. The Japanese government’s treatment of the Ainu was influenced by colonial strategies borrowed from Western powers. They used similar tactics of assimilation and control. Understanding this historical context is essential for grasping the depth of our struggle. It wasn’t just about internal Japanese discrimination; it was also about how Japan adopted colonial practices to marginalize us.

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Keita: What do you think needs to change for the Ainu movement to gain more support and momentum?

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Mr. Takeuchi: We need more solidarity, both within Japan and internationally. Collaborating with other indigenous groups worldwide has been enlightening. It shows us that our fight is part of a global movement for indigenous rights and recognition. We need to push for systemic change, not just cultural preservation. It’s about securing land rights, improving education, and addressing historical injustices. We need allies who understand that preserving our traditions is about more than festivals and ceremonies; it’s about survival and dignity.

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Keita: How has the global indigenous rights movement influenced your community?

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Mr. Takeuchi: It has given us a sense of solidarity and a framework for our advocacy. When we see other indigenous groups fighting for their rights and gaining recognition, it inspires us. But it also reminds us of the work that still needs to be done. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has been a significant milestone, but implementing those rights is the challenge. We need to connect more with global networks to amplify our voices and push for meaningful change.

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Keita: Are there specific cultural practices you’re trying to revive?

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Mr. Takeuchi: Yes, there are many. For example, we’re teaching younger generations how to perform traditional rituals and how to use natural resources sustainably, like peeling bark from trees without harming them. These practices are deeply symbolic and connect us to our ancestors. We also emphasize the importance of ceremonies and storytelling. But it’s not just about keeping traditions alive; it’s about reclaiming our identity and finding strength in our heritage.

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Keita: What are the biggest obstacles you face in this cultural revival?

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Mr. Takeuchi: One major obstacle is the lack of institutional support. While there are cultural centers and some funding for Ainu projects, it’s not nearly enough. We’re also fighting against centuries of erasure and misrepresentation. The media often portrays Ainu culture as something exotic or ancient, rather than acknowledging us as a living, modern people. There’s also the challenge of getting younger generations involved. Many of them have moved to urban areas where they’re more focused on fitting in than preserving traditions.

Keita: Do you think things are changing for the better?

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Mr. Takeuchi: Slowly, yes. There’s more awareness now than there was a few decades ago. Laws have been passed to recognize our rights, and there’s a growing interest in Ainu culture, especially from academics and activists. But awareness alone isn’t enough. We need structural change and genuine efforts to make Ainu history part of the national narrative. It’s a long road, but I believe we’re moving in the right direction.

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Keita: What can people outside of Japan do to support the Ainu movement?

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Mr. Takeuchi: Education is key. People need to learn about our history and understand the complexities of our struggle. Supporting international indigenous rights initiatives and amplifying our voices through social media can also help. We appreciate when people engage with our culture respectfully and support initiatives that benefit the Ainu community. It’s about building bridges and understanding that our fight is interconnected with other global movements for indigenous rights.

 

Summary:

          Mr. Takeuchi shares how, as a child, he was discouraged from embracing his Ainu heritage, with parents prioritizing Japanese language and customs to shield him from discrimination. Despite this erasure, figures like Shigeru Kayano inspired a cultural revival, emphasizing the importance of embracing and preserving Ainu traditions.

          The conversation highlights ongoing challenges, such as discrimination in urban areas and the complex relationship with tourism. While tourism brings visibility to Ainu culture, it often feels exploitative. Tourists take from the culture—whether through photos, souvenirs, or knowledge—without contributing to its preservation or understanding the deeper struggles of the community. This has led to division within the Ainu: some choose activism, while others prefer to avoid confrontation.

          Young Ainu activists are working hard to change this narrative, using social media

 to advocate for their rights. However, the fear of stigma still looms large. The Japanese government’s recognition of the Ainu as an indigenous people is a step forward, but more substantial support is needed. The interview also touches on the historical influence of Western colonial practices on Japan’s treatment of the Ainu, drawing parallels with global indigenous struggles. The Ainu movement finds inspiration in international indigenous rights initiatives but acknowledges the long journey ahead.

         Cultural revival efforts focus on teaching traditional practices, conducting ceremonies, and reclaiming identity through storytelling. The obstacles are significant, from institutional neglect to the media’s exoticization of Ainu culture. Yet, there is hope in the growing awareness and activism both within Japan and globally. The conversation concludes with a call for solidarity, emphasizing that the Ainu struggle is part of a larger, interconnected fight for indigenous rights worldwide.