Baikurmanov Bauyrzhan
On the last day of our internship in Hokkaido, we were lucky enough to visit the Ainu Museum and Park called Uppopoy, which is Japan’s first national museum dedicated to the history and culture of the indigenous Ainu people. The Ainu are the indigenous inhabitants of the northern part of the Japanese archipelago, living mainly in Hokkaido.
We were also accompanied by high school students on the trip, some of them visited this museum for the first time, just like us. Immediately after arriving at the museum, we were able to get to the concert of the presentation of ainu culture and tradition on the stage of the hall. During which traditional clothes were presented, as well as performances by representatives of this nationality themselves on stage.
There are several pavilions on the territory of the park, from the concert hall to the museum itself, for which we visited this park. After the concert hall, we went to the museum to look at the permanent exhibition. The museum provides an opportunity to see exhibits related to the history of the origin and chronological development of the ainu. I was surprised that despite the fact that the park is highly specialized in one nationality, it is rich in many exhibits, which you need to take enough time to see.
It should also be noted that Uppopoy Park provides various kinds of activities for visitors, such as traditional singing lessons and opportunities to try on traditional Ainu clothes. These activities were very interesting for all visitors.
Summing up, I would like to say that Uppopoy Park in Hokkaido plays an important role in preserving and popularizing the culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan. It is a cultural center where visitors can get acquainted with the traditions, art and lifestyle of the Ainu. The park promotes understanding and respect for the diversity of cultures in Japan
