Barakan Discovers — Season 1, Episode 4: Ainu: A New Generation

Episode synopsis

The Ainu are the indigenous people of northern Japan. They were once subjected to cultural assimilation policies, and many of their traditions were lost. But now, young Ainu are spearheading a movement to restore their heritage. Peter Barakan meets an artisan who recreates old craft items; performers with a new take on traditional singing and dancing; and a YouTuber who presents language lessons. Barakan looks at the oppression of the past, and the possibilities that exist in the future.

About Barakan Discovers

Peter Barakan is a broadcaster and a 45-year resident of Japan. In this series, he discovers how Japan is changing.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Tokyo
• E2TOHOKU
• E3The Tokyo of 2020
• E5JOMON: A Sustainable Civilization
• E6OKINAWA: Eclectic and Original
• E7THE SAMURAI OF THE SEA
• E8AMAMI OSHIMA: Isson's Treasure Island
• E9IZUMO: Glimpses of the Unseen
• E10KUMANO: Spirit of the Forest
• E11YONEZAWA: Yozan's Utopian Vision
• E12TOSA: Ultimate Adventurer John Mung
• E13HAGI: Yoshida Shoin's Immortal Words