Ainu (indigenous people of northern Japan)

The Ainu are an indigenous people residing mainly in northern Japan's Hokkaido, as well as parts of Russia's Sakhalin and Kuril Islands. They have a distinct language, culture, and spiritual beliefs, emphasizing nature and ancestral traditions. Historically, their livelihood centered on fishing, hunting, and gathering. Recognized as Japan’s indigenous people, the Ainu have faced historical marginalization, leading to efforts to preserve their heritage, language, and cultural practices today. They represent a unique cultural identity rooted in their deep connection to the natural environment of northern Japan and surrounding regions.