What to expect

Traditional Ainu dances in Akan has been handed down from generation to generation in this region, and was designated as an important intangible cultural asset. Enjoy various types of Ainu dance!

Traditional Ainu Dance which was designated as an important cultural asset, and a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Dance which is integral to the life of Ainu People, who used to sing and dance in rituals and gatherings of family or friends. Ainu dance is not only aimed at enjoying themselves, but also at expressing respect or gratitude for ancestor or deities. These dances are called ‘Rimuse’ , ‘Upopo’ or ‘Horippa’ depending on the region. There are a variety of dances, in which people dance in a circle, those to express prayer to deities, those to pray for a good catch of fish and animals, those to ward off evil spirits.

Ainu people have been living with nature paying respect to it. A variety of dances have been created in their life, such as those expressing the motion of animals, hunting, and joy and sorrow. Also, each region has its own unique dances handed down from generation to generation. We, Ainu people have a variety of dances to express interaction with the severe nature and animals, joy and sorrow, which are performed at the time of rituals and family gatherings. In this tour, we will introduce some of the dances handed down in the east part of Hokkaido. Among them, ‘Saronrimuse’ (crane dance) is a representative one.