We stayed at Sapporo in central Hokkaido last weekend and visited Shiraoi town south of Sapporo. It takes one hour by JR train to get there. In the town, there is the UPOPOY a kind of theme park where you can learn about the Ainu people and experience their culture. It was the first time we’ve been there. First, we looked around the Ainu Museum in UPOPOY and then watched their dance performances. We learned about the Ainu people and their culture from exhibitions. They are indigenous to Hokkaido, but now minority group. A long time ago, they had a very unique and interesting lifestyle and religion. Now, they want to preserve their culture. I think we should respect each other.
