Tour the Studio of an Ainu Woodcarving Craftsman Whose Designs Have Introduced Ainu Culture the World Over

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Nibutani, Biratori, Hokkaido

• 2.0 hours

• 5 people max

• Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Ainu Woodcarver’s Nibutani Studio Tour

Nibutani has the distinction of having the greatest per capita Ainu population of any city in Hokkaido.  The name “Nibutani” (pronounced “Niptani” in Ainu) means “heavily wooded place,” and the city’s surroundings stay true to its name.   Near the Pacific shores of southern Hokkaido, the area is rich in nature, with four distinct, colorful seasons, and air so fresh you want to fill your lungs to their fullest.  The city is nestled alongside the Saru River which has provided sustenance for generations of Ainu.

It is within these surroundings that Toru practices his woodcarving craft.  In his spartan studio, Toru hones the skills passed down to him from his grandfather – from making his own tools to using those tools in carving unique items steeped in traditional folklore.  Toru has aspired to create sculptures of such intricate beauty that they may spread the richness of Ainu culture the world over.  In 2018, Toru succeeded in this aspiration by having one of his sculptures added to the permanent collection of The British Museum in London. 

What you’ll do

60min: Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum Guide Tour
60min: Toru’s Studio Tour

Includes

Entrance fee of Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum
One Nibutani-ita (carving board) per group

Who can attend

Children must be 7+

Availability

Everyday
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (14:00 - 16:00)

About Ainu Culture

Nibutani Ita

“Ita” in Japanese literally translates as “board.” “Nibutani ita” are carved, flat wooden trays named for the Ainu town in which the craft flourished. Though they are made to be both durable and practical, they also serve as intricate works of art. The decorative patterns carved onto “Nibutani ita” have various symbolic meanings within Ainu culture. Examples of the meanings some of the more prominent patterns carry are “moreunoka” (swirl), “ramaramunoka” (fish scale), “aiushinoka” (needle), “shikunoka” (eye), and “koinoka” (wave). “Nibutani ita” carved trays have been designated a traditional craft by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Who are the Ainu?

Ainu, a minority population in modern Japan, are the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Their unique culture sprang from the long, harsh winters typical on the far northern island. The word “ainu” itself means “human” in the Ainu language. Conceptually, the word “ainu” was used to differentiate humans from “kamui,” all other living things in nature. The Ainu language was solely a spoken language until the island of Hokkaido was annexed by Japan. At that time, the Japanese syllabary “katakana” was applied to the Ainu language. Many of the current place names on Hokkaido are of Ainu origin, and have also been rendered in “kanji” (Chinese characters). These place names, typically exceedingly difficult to read in “kanji,” are a lasting tribute to the indigenous Ainu culture and language of Hokkaido.

More information about Ainu Culture, History...

The Foundation for Ainu Culture
Traditional Ainu Folk Craft
Explore Ainu Heritage for a Deeper Understanding of Hokkaido

Access

Approx. 2.5 hour from Sapporo Station
(50 min Limited Express Train ride + 70-80 min taxi ride from Tomakomai station.)

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 14 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.