Japan passed legislation to officially recognize the Ainu of Hokkaido as an
April 21 (UPI) — Japan passed legislation to officially recognize the Ainu of Hokkaido as an „indigenous“ people for the first time.
The law, enacted on Friday, establishes an Ainu policy promotion headquarters that will require central and state governments to formulate basic guidelines to promote Ainu culture, industry and tourism, which will then be funded through state subsidies.
It also makes it easier for Ainu to obtain permission to conduct traditional salmon fishing in rivers and collect timber in national forests for cultural rituals.
The government also plans to open a national Ainu museum and park in Hokkaido next year.
