Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park)

Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony) is a national center located on the shores of Lake Poroto in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, dedicated to the revitalization and development of Ainu culture. “Upopoy” means “singing together in a large group” in the Ainu language, symbolizing the Ainu spirit of connecting people and sharing culture through song and dance.

Background and Philosophy
The establishment of Upopoy is based on recommendations made by the Council of Experts on the Promotion of Ainu Policy, set up by the Cabinet Secretariat in 2009. Under the recognition that the Ainu are the indigenous people of Japan, it was positioned as the “keystone” of Ainu policy, aimed at reviving and creating Ainu culture, and as a symbol of ethnic diversity and coexistence.

Today, Ainu culture faces challenges such as a declining number of tradition bearers and the risk of losing the Ainu language and traditional crafts. Upopoy also plays an important role as a base for passing these cultures on to future generations.

Main Facilities and Highlights
Through a variety of facilities and hands-on programs, Upopoy is a space where visitors can “learn about,” “experience,” and “feel” Ainu culture.

National Ainu Museum
Opened in July 2020 as Japan’s first national museum dedicated to the indigenous Ainu, the museum allows visitors to learn about Ainu history, culture, and lifestyle through archaeological materials, videos, models, and more. Its exhibits incorporate domestic and international perspectives to encourage a multifaceted understanding.

National Ainu Park
This experiential field museum lets visitors see, hear, and touch Ainu culture firsthand. The park features performances of the Ainu ancient ritual dance, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, as well as traditional performing arts registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visitors can also enjoy performances on traditional instruments such as the mukkuri (mouth harp) and the tonkori.

In the area that recreates an ancient settlement (kotan), visitors can see exhibits of hunting tools and observe the construction of traditional houses known as cise. There are also plenty of hands-on programs for children, making it ideal for independent study projects.

Poroto Kitchen
This is a special experience program held for only two groups per day. Through cooking traditional Ainu dishes, participants can learn about the depth of Ainu food culture and the wisdom of living in harmony with nature.

Kamuy Symphony / Kamuy Yukar
At night, the spectacular “Kamuy Symphony” is presented with mesmerizing visuals, sound, and lighting. It dynamically expresses stories of kamuy (deities) handed down among the Ainu, using immersive effects such as projection mapping on the floor and other surfaces to create a vivid storytelling experience. In addition, visitors can enjoy “Kamuy Yukar,” which presents two stories through short films.

Dining and Souvenirs
There are three dining facilities in the park where visitors can enjoy Ainu cuisine.

At Cafe Rimse, popular menu items include set meals combining Ainu dishes such as ohaw (a hearty soup) and rataskep (vegetable salad). Ohaw is also considered by some to be the origin of Ishikari nabe, and is characterized by its simple, gentle flavor seasoned with animal fat and salt.

At Hinna Hinna Kitchen En, visitors can enjoy light meals such as venison skewers.

The museum shop offers Ainu crafts, books, original goods, and more.

Social Significance and the Future
Upopoy is more than just a tourist facility. It serves as a place to protect and pass on Ainu culture, to widely convey its dignity and value, and to symbolize the building of a society in which all people respect one another and live together.