Set against the natural beauty of Lake Akan, “Akan Ainu Art Week” will take place from November 23 to December 15, blending traditional Ainu crafts with contemporary art. Featuring wood carvings, embroidery, ancient dance, and new works by various artists, the event celebrates the Ainu’s deep spirituality and harmony with nature. It’s a unique opportunity to appreciate the evolving charm of Ainu culture within the stunning landscape of Lake Akan.
Exploring Ainu Culture and Art Collaboration in “The Creative Rataskeppu”
Akan Ainu Kotan, a place where Ainu tradition and cultural life thrive, embodies the belief that “everything has a spirit.” This worldview has permeated the community for generations, as residents continue to pass down a rich cultural heritage. Through “Akan Ainu Art Week,” this unique culture meets contemporary art, creating a space where tradition and innovation coexist.
The event features works by Ainu artists, including wood carvings, embroidery, and glass sculptures, alongside new pieces by contemporary artists inspired by Ainu culture. These diverse expressions converge under the theme “The Creative Rataskeppu” (fusion), where creators from various backgrounds come together to share their unique perspectives in a shared space.
During “Akan Ainu Art Week,” stage performances and interactive tours also bring Ainu traditions to life. At the Akan Ainu Theater “Ikor,” visitors can immerse themselves in Ainu spirituality through ancient dance and traditional musical performances. Additionally, guided tours offer a holistic experience of the area’s cultural and natural beauty, with activities such as nature walks around Lake Akan and Ainu cuisine tastings.
The main visual for this year’s event incorporates rubbings created by an Ainu artist using natural materials collected around Lake Akan, symbolizing the intersection of different cultures and histories. “Akan Ainu Art Week,” which fuses Ainu culture, nature, and the creative expressions of various artists, promises to offer visitors a fresh perspective on cultural harmony.
【Event Overview for Akan Ainu Art Week】
Dates: November 23 (Sat), 2024 – December 15 (Sun), 2024
Location: Lake Akan, Akan Ainu Kotan, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Organizer: Kushiro City
Planning & Management: Loftwork, Inc.
Collaborator: Gas as Interface, Inc.
Participating Artists
Akan Ainu Kotan Exhibiting Artists: Hideo Akibe, Ayako Inoue, Minoru Okada, Fukiko Goukongo, Masateru Saito, Hirono Shimokura, Hideharu Taira, Kengo Takiguchi, Suisho Tokoshu, Kayoko Nishida, Satoru Hirama, Pete Henro, Hideo Yanase, Sumio Watanabe
Cultural Exchange Program Artists: Michika Isozaki, Taichi Kagami, MSHR, Miina Yamaguchi & Maki Kinoshita
【Related Programs】
Stage Programs Exploring Ainu History and Stories
『Full Moon’s Rimse』
This performance draws from the Ainu concept of Urespa-mosir (mutual nurturing land), celebrating the Ainu people’s diversity, acceptance, and cultural beliefs. Created in close collaboration between the production team and dancers from the Akan Ainu Theater “Ikor,” it captures the essence of Ainu identity.
『Akan Yukar Lost Kamuy』
In this immersive performance, creators from fields such as digital art, sound design, and dance blend ancient dance, contemporary choreography, 3DCG, and surround sound with five projectors, creating a multidimensional experience inspired by Ainu mythology.
『Ancient Ainu Dance』
A traditional dance ritual expressing gratitude and respect for ancestors and deities, performed during various gatherings and ceremonies. The dance features the sacred “Inau,” a ceremonial offering to deities that acts as a bridge between the Ainu and the kamuy (gods), symbolizing Ainu spirituality.
【Tour Program】
「Anytime, Ainutime!」
This hands-on tour covers three elements of Ainu culture—“Forest,” “Lake,” and “Craftsmanship”—and offers nature walks, traditional music performances, and Ainu cuisine tastings led by residents of Akan Ainu Kotan.
【About Akan Ainu Kotan】
Home to about 120 residents, Akan Ainu Kotan is one of the most prominent Ainu settlements in Hokkaido. Centered on the belief that “everything has a spirit,” it offers various ways to experience Ainu culture, from art to food, through the community’s connection to nature. It provides a space where visitors can experience the Ainu’s rich spiritual and historical traditions within Hokkaido’s vast natural beauty.
https://www.akanainu.jp/