Ainu Connections: Surprising Links between Biratori and the UK
- 15 February 2024
- 18:00 - 18:30.
- The Hall, Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
- https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/ainu-connections-surprising-links-between-biratori-and-the-uk-february/
- +44 (0)20 7932 7100
- info@japanhouselondon.uk
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Uncover little-known historical links between the UK and the Ainu community of Biratori with a guided tour of AinuStories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River led by Japan House London Programming Director and exhibition curator Simon Wright.
The exhibition explores the contemporary culture of the Ainu, an indigenous people of northern Japan, and is curated in collaboration with the people of Nibutani, a rural community within Biratori Town, located in the Saru River basin in the south of Hokkaido.
While learning how Ainu culture is expressed today in Biratori, guests can discover historical connections between Biratori and the UK, hearing stories of the Ainu from Nibutani who travelled to London for the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition and of several key Britons who forged lasting relationships with the Ainu community in the region. These include missionary John Batchelor who published an Ainu-English-Japanese language dictionary in 1889; Isabella Bird who wrote about her stay in Biratori in 1878 in her popular travelogue Unbeaten Tracks in Japan; and Dr Neil Gordon Munro, who, working as a local physician in Biratori during the 1930s, dedicated the last years of his life to raising awareness of Ainu culture.
The tour will last approximately 30-40 minutes and will begin in front of the Gallery on Japan House London’s Lower Ground floor promptly at the start time.
Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please email info@japanhouselondon.uk or contact a member of the team on site.
The tour will be repeated at the same time on 20 March 2024. Tickets will become available to book on the What’s On page approximately two weeks before the date of the tour.
The exhibition Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River is on display in the Gallery at Japan House London from 16 November 2023 until 21 April 2024.
Admission Free | Booking Essential
