The Ainu: A Story of Japan's Original People (Hardcover)

~ Kayano Shigeru (Author), Peter Howlett (Author), Richard McNamara (Author), Iijima Shunichi (Author) "I was born and raised in an Ainu village in Hokkaido..." (more)
Key Phrases: white wireworm, swamp ash tree, deccan grass, Tokachi River, The Two-Headed Bear, Ainu Mosir (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6–Shigeru attempts to preserve the language and the customs of the Ainu by providing autobiographical snapshots of growing up in the 1930s in Hokkaido, Japan. He shows his respect for the traditions of his people to honor nature and family in his own reminiscences and in his retellings of two traditional tales. He is also quite outspoken about his strong opposition to the Japanese government overrunning the land of Ainu Mosir. Unfortunately, the text is choppy and not well organized, and some of the material is not appropriate for children (for example, he describes how, when he was a boy, his mother would warm his cold hands between her breasts). This, combined with very small and crowded print, and somewhat dated-looking, earth-toned watercolors, makes the title uninviting. Readers will be much better served by Barbara Poisson's The Ainu of Japan (Lerner, 2002).–Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
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Product Description

With a rich history dating back more than six centuries, the Ainu people of Hokkaido have one of the most unique indigenous cultures in the world. This beautifully illustrated book explores the lives and ideas of the Ainu with an eye to the importance of nature and religion in their daily lives. It features breathtaking retellings of Ainu folktales and vivid descriptions of customs, clothing, food, habitats, and beliefs.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (December 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080483511X
• ISBN-13: 978-0804835114
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,529,963 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, June 18, 2004

By	A. Dobry - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absorbing account of Japan's indigineous people, May 18, 2004

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

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.