​Transcript:

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Keita: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, Naomi. To start, could you share some Ainu words that have particularly impacted you or are meaningful in your work?

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Ms. Mizoguchi: Of course. The word “Ponyaupe” comes to mind, which represents the way stories and experiences are shared among the Ainu. I also think of my work as a kind of “Ponyaupe show,” sharing the voices of the Ainu, past and present.

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Keita: You mention Kazunobu Kawanano in your documentary. Can you tell me about his journey with his Ainu identity?

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Ms. Mizoguchi: Yes, Kazunobu-san is in his 60s, and his story is deeply inspiring. He learned about his Ainu heritage little by little, largely through the influence of Shigeru Kayano. It was through this connection that he started to become proud of his identity. However, like many others, he didn’t grow up learning Ainu because Japanese was always seen as more important.

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Keita: What are some of the challenges Ainu people face today, in terms of acknowledging or feeling connected to their identity?

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Ms. Mizoguchi: The reality is that most people in Nibutani don’t openly experience discrimination. But when they go to larger cities like Sapporo or Tokyo, things are different. There is still discrimination there, and it creates a complicated relationship with their identity. Many feel it's hard to fully embrace being Ainu. For example, probably 80% of Ainu people still don’t openly acknowledge their heritage. It’s hard for them to completely feel they are Ainu, especially because they live so much like the Wajin: speaking Japanese, eating Japanese food.

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Keita: You’ve spoken about how Ainu culture and identity are presented—or sometimes misrepresented—to tourists. What’s your perspective on that?

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Ms. Mizoguchi: It’s frustrating. Many tourists come to Hokkaido, take things, learn about Ainu culture, but don’t give back in a meaningful way. It can feel exploitative, and some people in the community are strongly angry about this. Others, the regular folks, just don’t want to get involved in politics or activism.

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Keita: Your documentary touches on the experiences of several Ainu figures. Can you tell me more about Kayano Shigeru and his influence?

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Ms. Mizoguchi: Kayano Shigeru was a significant figure in preserving Ainu culture. He famously said, “I tried to hide, but I am Ainu.” It’s a powerful statement that reflects the internal struggle many Ainu people feel. Meeting him at the First Ainu Cultural Festival and wearing traditional Ainu clothing myself was a turning point that inspired me to study Ainu culture more deeply.

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Keita: How did your own understanding of Ainu culture evolve through your fieldwork and experiences, like visiting Nibutani?

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Ms. Mizoguchi: My understanding grew significantly. I remember being on a school field trip and realizing that some people still harbor strong hatred toward the Wajin. It’s a complex mix of feelings—gratitude and resentment. Working with elementary school kids in activities like millet farming or canoeing in Nibutani also showed me the importance of cultural preservation and the role of education in shaping future generations.

 

Keita: Lastly, what do you hope to achieve with your work on the Ainu?

 

Ms. Mizoguchi: I want to make something that gives back to the Ainu community. It’s about creating practical resources, protecting children’s futures, and ensuring that more Ainu kids have the opportunity to go to college. I’ve been disappointed in the past when I realized there weren’t many resources or Ainu people involved in positions of influence. But I’m committed to making something for the return, to uplift and support the community.

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Summary:

           In my interview with Ms. Naomi Mizoguchi, she shared her insights on the challenges and complexities of Ainu identity. She explained that although many Ainu people in Nibutani don’t face discrimination, those in urban areas like Sapporo and Tokyo still experience it. This discrimination has led to a reluctance among many Ainu to openly embrace their heritage, with around 80% of people still hesitant to identify as Ainu publicly. Ms. Mizoguchi emphasized the tension between wanting to preserve culture and the frustration with how tourists often take without giving back.

Her inspiration to document Ainu culture came from figures like Shigeru Kayano and experiences like attending the First Ainu Cultural Festival. She spoke about her mission to create resources that truly benefit the Ainu community and to protect future generations. Her passion is evident in her dedication to ensuring that Ainu children have better opportunities, reflecting a blend of gratitude and a drive to rectify past injustices. 

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