OSAKA - A group of around 220 Ainu from across and beyond Hokkaido performed traditional dances at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on May 17th, conveying the Ainu spirit of mutual support and the importance of diversity and coexistence.
The ancient dances, which express reverence for animals such as cranes and foxes as well as deities in the natural world, were performed on stage in a uniquely Ainu worldview.
The production was directed by Debo Akibe, who also presented Ainu dances to international audiences during the Tokyo Olympics and a Sapporo event.
What Akibe aimed to communicate to the world was the Ainu principle of "ureshipa"—a spirit of mutual growth and support.
Akibe said: "This world is 'Ureshipa Mosir.' Ureshipa means mutual support, living together by helping each other. Wind, mountains, volcanoes, even a single wave or lake—all these elements support one another and make up the world. That’s why we shouldn’t be waging wars. That’s the message in this word."
At the Expo venue, performances were divided into three regional groups—Central/Northern Hokkaido, Southern Hokkaido, and Eastern Hokkaido/Kanto—each presenting dances that reflected their respective local stories and traditions.
Audience members, many of them Ainu, shared their emotional reactions:
"I was simply overwhelmed," said one viewer.
"I hope the Ainu spirit of living in harmony with nature spreads across Japan and the world," said another.
Through their ancient dances, the Ainu delivered a powerful message of diversity and coexistence to a global audience.
Source: HBCニュース 北海道放送
