Some performed the strong “sword dance” or “arcual dance” by men, and there were also dances by women who were performing working songs and dances. All the Ainu traditional dances were based on Rimuse (round dance) centering around Upopo. It is said that Ainu songs and dances originally were not for show, but for enjoyment.

A traditional stringed instrument of the Karafuto Ainu, Tonkori was played by OKI that Shift featured the other day. OKI is showcasing the appeal of Ainu music to the world’s young generation through his original style.

Lastly, a group of 4 women, “MAREWREW” appeared on the stage and sang to the Tonkori by OKI. Their songs are based on the traditional Ukouku (troll) of the Akan and Asahikawa areas where the members are from. Ukouku, consisting of all different melodies, sounded intriguing and comfortable.

Some from the Ainu say that being recognized as indigenous people is not all good. This is no wonder, since what happened in the long Ainu history should be not that simple. The esteemed Ainu culture and their spirits, and the restraining and contradiction to carry them down, might continue even after this accreditation. There is also no solution or conclusion in each of the different strong spirits that each Ainu has. Even so, they continue singing and dancing together, with their pride as Ainu.
They continued dancing in a big circle with the audience. Before I knew it, the rain clouds had gone.

>Ainu Music Festival 2008
Date: May 16th, 2008
Place: The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building
Content: Ainu Traditional Dance (from 5 different areas in Hokkaido), Mukkuri (Yaeko Matsunaga, Keiko Hanaoka), Song (MAREWREW), Tonkori (OKI)
https://www.tonkori.com