The Ainu people, who are approximately 20 000 in number are the only officially recognized indigenous peoples in Japan. After lengthy battles by the Ainu people, the Japanese government finally recognized them as Indigenous Peoples of Japan, which is a real victory for the Ainu community, but Ainu indigenous peoples’ representatives say that the struggles of Ainu are not over yet. They continue to face discrimination, they are not yet free to celebrate their culture, to speak the Ainu language or to express their distinct identity.
Dev Kumar Sunuwar of Cultural Survival produced this radio program based on the interviews he conducted during his visit to Hokkaido Island, the territory of Ainu Indigenous Peoples.
Producer: Dev Kumar Sunuwar
Image: Ainu people dancing
Indigenous Rights Radio Intro track features "Burn your Village to the Ground" by @a-tribe-called-red. Used with permission.