Image of Japanese contemporary artist Yoshitomo Nara

The Ainu traditionally performed a number of different kinds of dances as part of both social and religious ceremonies. The women in this scene are probably performing a variation of the Crane Dance, one of the most widespread of the traditional Ainu…

A photo of an Ainu-Japanese family.

A photo of Haruo Suzaki, woodcarver.

A present day Ainu singer, activist, and cultural advisor.