Ainu Living Memorial Hall

The Ainu Living Memorial Hall recreates a traditional home for an old-fashioned 4-5 person family.
Inside this "Pon cise" (small house), displays of daily items and clothing tell of life in times gone by.
Beginning in the Meiji era (1868-1912), Japan's assimilation policies prohibited speaking the Ainu language, and completely changed the hunting, gathering, and fishing lifestyle of the Ainu people. At first glance, this new way of life resembles that of the ethnic Japanese, however, it is based upon the unbroken traditions of Ainu spirituality, found in ceremonies and festivals which have been passed down from ancestors. The Ainu ancestors lived in harmony with nature, which could be cruel or kind, and the day-to-day tools and items used by the Ainu ancestors can teach us much of the wisdom of their way of life. When you look inside, it's almost as if the age of families huddling around the fire with stories and prayers has come again.