As of recent estimates, there are approximately 25,000 to 30,000 people who self-identify as Ainu in Hokkaido. The traditional practice of lip tattooing on females depicts their coming of age and are symbols of beauty. Images Source: Unique Japan Tours
The Ainu are an Indigenous people of Japan, primarily residing in Hokkaido, with smaller populations in Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands (parts of modern-day Russia). Estimates of the Ainu population vary, partly because many individuals of Ainu descent do not openly identify as Ainu due to historical discrimination.
Ainu Population in Japan: As of recent estimates, there are approximately 25,000 to 30,000 people who self-identify as Ainu in Hokkaido. However, studies suggest the actual number, including those of mixed descent who might not openly identify as Ainu, could be much higher—potentially 100,000 or more. In Hokkaido, they have been practicing sustainable fishing methods for generations. They use traditional knowledge to manage fish stocks and protect marine biodiversity. Despite their efforts, commercial fishing operations often ignore their practices, leading to overfishing and environmental degradation.
The Ainu has faced legal disputes over their traditional salmon fishing rights
– as recent as 2024, inwhich their “Inherent Right” was sadly squashed.
Members of the Raporo Ainu Nation observe asir cep nomi, an Ainu ceremony that marks the fish’s annual migration back to the island’s major rivers and tributaries. Images: Centre for Environmental and Minority Policy Studies
In April 2024, a court denied their bid to reclaim these rights, upholding Japan’s fishery resources protection law, which generally prohibits river fishing. The Ainu argued that their ancestral rights should exempt them from this law, but the court ruled that river fishing was not an “inherent” right.
Backgrounder:
The Ainu people of Japan are currently limited to a small number of annual salmon catches for traditional purposes. The Ainu have been fighting for the right to fish freely for salmon in the Tokachi River in Hokkaido. The Ainu are allowed to catch a limited number of salmon each year for traditional ceremonies but must get approval from the Hokkaido governor to fish for salmon. Unfortunately, they are restricted to poor-quality districts for fishing. Traditionally the Ainu fished for salmon using spears and nets. The national government banned salmon fishing in rivers during the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The Ainu have argued that they inherited the right to fish from their ancestors.
Challenges that they face are economic and social marginalization, including prejudice and discrimination, and have argued that the government’s restrictions are disrespectful and illogical, and scaring young people away from fishing and upholding their traditional values.
The Ainu want to restore one of the last vestiges of their culture and ensure their right to take salmon, which they consider a gift from the gods.
Academia and Cultural Preservation
- Research and Education: A growing number of Ainu are involved in academia, focusing on Ainu history, language, and cultural preservation. Efforts to revitalize the Ainu language and traditions have created opportunities in teaching and advocacy.
- Cultural Advocacy: Many Ainu work in NGOs and government programs promoting Indigenous rights and environmental conservation, drawing on their traditional knowledge.
Environmental Conservation
Forest and Wildlife Management: The Ainu’s deep respect for nature aligns with careers in conservation. They participate in managing Hokkaido’s forests, rivers, and wildlife.
Ecotourism: Some Ainu communities promote ecotourism by offering experiences that emphasize sustainable interaction with nature.