Uncovering the mystery of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan
Uncovering the Mystery of the Ainu, the Indigenous People of Japan When it comes to the people of Japan, most people would imagine the fascinating culture of the Japanese—from their unique language, to the beautiful structures of the cities and shrines that pepper the cities, to their tasty and beautiful sushi. However, few people are aware of the indigenous people of Japan—the Ainu—who form the minority of the population. Despite the apparent mystery that shrouds the Ainu, their history and culture are one of the fascinating aspects of Japan. This article aims to explore the mystery of the Ainu—what we do know about their customs, language, and culture and uncover the questions that still remain unanswered. What We Know About the Ainu The Ainu people can trace their history on the lands of Japan as far back as 12,000 years. The population of the Ainu is estimated to be 25,000-300,000 people, mainly concentrated near the northern part of Japan’s main Island, Honshu. The Ainu have a u...