Traditional Ainu Dance Performance and Iomante Fire Festival at Lake Akan

Watch as performers take the stage to present a traditional Ainu dance, designated as an important cultural asset, and a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Dance is integral to the life of the Ainu People, who used to sing and dance in rituals and gatherings of family or friends. Ainu dance is not only aimed at enjoying themselves, but also at expressing respect or gratitude to ancestors or kamuy. These dances are called ‘Rimuse’ , ‘Upopo’ or ‘Horippa’ depending on the region. There are a variety of dances for many different parts of life. Some dances take inspiration from nature or the motions of animals, hunting, even joy and sorrow. Every region has unique dances handed down carefully from generation to generation.