Utar (Ainu elders)

Utar are respected elder men within the Ainu community, an indigenous group from Japan’s northern region. Traditionally, they serve as custodians of Ainu culture, language, and customs, often acting as leaders, advisors, and oral historians. Utar play crucial roles in preserving ceremonial practices, passing down ancestral knowledge, and maintaining social cohesion. Their positions are earned through experience and respect, embodying the community’s cultural identity and continuity. Recognizing Utar highlights the importance of elders in sustaining indigenous traditions and fostering intergenerational connections.