Monday 23 February, 2015
6:00pm GMT - 7:30pm GMT
Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ
Tracing the Emergence of Ainu Ethnicities using Archaeological Data
Professor Kato Hirofumi (Professor of Archaeology, Hokkaido University Centre for Ainu and Indigenous Studies)
Conflict and Amalgamation between “Tradition” and “Ainu”
Mr Kaizawa Toru (Artist)
with Dr Simon Kaner
About the Lectures
Join us for an evening in the company of two distinguished guests who will introduce us to two fascinating aspects of the distinctive culture of Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido. The historical trajectory of Hokkaido is very different to the other main islands in the archipelago, and indeed it was only in the 19th century that Ezo, as it was formerly known, was fully assimilated into modern Japan. Before that it was the preserve of the Ainu, now formally recognised as an Indigenous People of Japan, after decades of discrimination. The Ainu cultural tradition (Ainu means ‘The People’ in the Ainu language, which is quite different to modern Japanese) goes back to at least the 13th century AD. Ainu people controlled territories from central Honshu to Russia, and played a key role in trade in the Medieval and Early Modern periods. These talks will demonstrate how, as opposed to accounts which consider the Ainu to be endangered survivors from the ancient past, they are the bearers of a vital cultural tradition with great contemporary resonance.
Admission free for Friends/ £5 for non-Friends / £3 for students
Booking is essential. Please contact Keiko Nishioka to reserve a place.
email k.nishioka@sainsbury-institute.org | tel 01603-597510
The lecture will be held at the Sainsbury Institute, 64 The Close, Norwich NR1 4DH.
The lectures are followed by a drinks reception
About the Speakers
For more information on the speakers and Hokkaido University Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies, please follow the links below:
Professor Kato Hirofumi
Hokkaido University Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies
Mr Kaizawa Toru
To book your seat, please email Keiko Nishioka