About 98% of the Japanese are...Japanese, which isn't exactly a surprise. One of the least known minorities is the Ainu, an indigenous people who live on the north island of Hokkaido. Historically, they made a living fishing for salmon, hunting bears ( or running from them) and trading with the Japanese to the south. Their most important god was a fish owl. On the back of their traditional robes (made from elm bark) they embroidered a pair of owl eyes, to keep watch begind them. They didn't watch carefully enough- only 24,000 or so remain today. Their plight is very similar to the story of the native Americans.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Ainu Fish Owl
About 98% of the Japanese are...Japanese, which isn't exactly a surprise. One of the least known minorities is the Ainu, an indigenous people who live on the north island of Hokkaido. Historically, they made a living fishing for salmon, hunting bears ( or running from them) and trading with the Japanese to the south. Their most important god was a fish owl. On the back of their traditional robes (made from elm bark) they embroidered a pair of owl eyes, to keep watch begind them. They didn't watch carefully enough- only 24,000 or so remain today. Their plight is very similar to the story of the native Americans.
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