Get a first-hand experience of Ainu dance and enjoy dancing with members of the Biratori Ainu Culture Preservation Association in this interactive workshop celebrating the opening of Japan House London’s new exhibition Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River.

Ainu dance was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009 for its role in preserving the continuity of cultural heritage within the community and has a range of social and ceremonial functions. Some dances are associated with certain ceremonies, others provide entertainment for the performers, and some accompany the repetitive motions of manual labour. Whether for an audience or as part of community life, taking part in dance is an important element in the transmission of Ainu culture.

During this workshop, participants learn the basic movements of the dance Chapiyak which depicts swifts flying in the sky after the rain. There is also an opportunity for guests to ask questions to the instructors.

The exhibition Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River is on display in the Gallery at Japan House London from 16 November until 21 April, 2024.

Biratori Ainu Culture Preservation Association

The Biratori Ainu Culture Preservation Association was founded in 1983 and celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023. Its members carry out a wide range of activities to promote the preservation and transmission of Ainu culture in various fields including dance, food, clothing, housing and the Ainu language. The group is also involved in international exchange activities, and they are working to increase awareness of Ainu culture by performing a range of dances from Biratori, as well as other regions.

All performers are members of the Ainu community in Biratori who help maintain their cultural heritage through skills and knowledge which include carving, language, food and dance: Kimura Hiromi, Harada Rino (one member of singing duo Ankes), Monbetsu Atsushi, Hiramura Daiki, Kimura Manami, Sasaki Tomoyo, Yamada Sakurako, Hiramura Harumi, Yūki Riku, and Nishiyama Ryō.