Customer Reviews

The Ainu: A Story of Japan's Original People

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This is an adorable children's book that portrays Ainu culture through the words of notable Ainu activist, Kayano Shigeru. The stories are fascinating and the pictures add a meaningful touch. This book is a prime example of the notion that beauty exists in simplicity. Overall- a wonderful introduction to the Ainu worldview and lifestyle.

The Ainu: A Story Of Japan's Original People by Kayano Shigeru is an absorbing account of Japan's indigineous people, whose legends and presence stretch back before the coming of the ethnic Japanese population before recorded history from what is now known as the Chinese mainland and the Korean penninsula. Presenting both the unique aspects of Ainu culture and the modern realities of how Ainu live today in a straightforward and friendly tone with soft yet realistic color illustrations, The Ainu: A Story Of Japan's Original People is very highly recommended.

Two Uwepekere, or Ainu folk tales, are included in the short juvenile book The Ainu: A Story of Japan's Original People by Kayano Shigeru. Kayano, until his death in 2006, was a cultural hero who devoted himself to the preservation and use of the Ainu language. The short book he wrote included beautiful illustrations by Iijima Shunichi on every page.