Ainu Currents Post 2
Ainu Perspectives: Professor Kitahara’s New Book ‘Ainu Moyamoya’
Ainu scholar and member of the Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies, Professor Mokottunasi Kitahara, is set to release the book “Ainu Moyamoya: Mienaika sareteiru watashitachi to sokonifuretehaikenaiki ga shiteshimau watashitashitachi” (translated as “Ainu Gloom: Our Marginalization and Self-Repression). Scheduled for launch on December 12th, this work embarks on a profound exploration of Ainu identity within the context of Japan.
Born in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, in 1976, Professor Kitahara’s upbringing was marked by the cultural revival and restoration movement of the Ainu, as his parents were involved in the formation of the Ainu organization Kanto Utari Association. His early exposure to the Karafuto dialect of the Ainu language and Sakhalin Ainu culture, influenced by his grandmother, kindled his lifelong interest.
The term moyamoya encapsulates an ambiguousness surrounding Ainu identity. While Ainu culture and heritage have gained attention, the discrimination and hardships faced by the Ainu community have often remained unacknowledged. “Ainu Moyamoya” aims to shed light on these crucial issues that have long been obscured from public view.
What makes “Ainu Moyamoya” particularly engaging is its unique approach. The book incorporates sections in manga format, offering a visually captivating and accessible glimpse into the world seen through the eyes of Ainu people.
This book promises to spark a deeper reflection on the societal structures that underpin discrimination and the power of collective understanding. It invites readers to learn, empathize, and comprehend the intricate tapestry of human experience.
For a future post, we will be sitting down to discuss this book with Professor Kitahara, delving into the key themes of his book.