Upopoy, National ethnographic museum in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, Japan
Upopoy is a national ethnographic museum in Shiraoi dedicated to the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. The permanent exhibitions are organized into several sections that explore their language, worldview, daily life, history, traditional crafts, and cultural relations with other societies.
The museum opened in 2020 as the first national institution dedicated to preserving Ainu heritage. Its establishment marked a turning point in official recognition and protection of this culture.
Performances and craft demonstrations here are led by Ainu community members themselves. These direct encounters allow visitors to watch traditional practices as they are still carried out today.
The museum can be reached by train in about 40 minutes from Sapporo. Visitors should note that it is closed on Wednesdays and the last entry is at 16:30.
The collection here holds over 10,000 historical Ainu artifacts spanning different periods. The institution also partners with museums in Russia, Germany, and the United States to exchange objects and create comparative exhibitions.
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