Upopoy Celebrates 6th Anniversary with "Upopoy Festival 2026" in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido

The National Ainu Museum and Park (Upopoy), operated by the National Ainu Museum and Park Management Foundation (Sapporo City, Chuo-ku; Chairman Teruki Tsunemoto), will hold "Upopoy Festival 2026" for two days on July 11 (Saturday) and 12 (Sunday), 2026, to commemorate its 6th anniversary. This festival serves as an opportunity to express gratitude to the Ainu cultural inheritors from various regions who have provided invaluable guidance and cooperation from before its opening to the present day.

Upopoy's current progress and growth are made possible by the connections and support from people across different regions. This event will feature a photo exhibition by Hiroshi Ikeda, who has been photographing portraits of Ainu people living in Hokkaido for 18 years, as well as live performances of oral literature and performing arts by inheritors from various regions. It will also include exhibitions showcasing the stages of inherited performing arts and their journeys, and a costume display connecting inheritors who created traditional costumes with staff members who wear them on stage. Through these initiatives, visitors can experience not only the inherited Ainu culture but also the lives of "Ainu living today," fostering a space for learning and dialogue.

Event Schedule July 11 (Saturday) - 12 (Sunday), 2026, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Featured Programs Hiroshi Ikeda Photo Exhibition "LIFE OF AINU" A photo exhibition by Hiroshi Ikeda, who has been continuously photographing portraits of Ainu people living in Hokkaido for 18 years.

Hiroshi Ikeda x Inheritor Talk Session A candid talk session between Hiroshi Ikeda, the photographer, and inheritors from various regions with whom he has deepened his relationships through his photography.

[Profile of Hiroshi Ikeda] Born in 1981 (Saga Prefecture), graduated from Osaka University of Foreign Studies. Joined studio FOBOS in 2006, received the Newcomer's Award from the Photographic Society of Japan in 2020. Has been creating works themed around the Ainu people since 2008.

Special Oral Literature Performance "Neusar An Ro" Eight inheritors invited from various regions will perform stories from their childhood and present oral literature and performing arts.

Inherited Performing Arts - The Path Walked with Inheritors - Panels will introduce the repertoires inherited from inheritors, along with their wishes and thoughts.

Culture to Wear ~Ainu Costumes: Runpe Edition~ A costume exhibition connecting inheritors who crafted traditional costumes with staff members who inherit and wear these costumes.

Details Please visit the special website page. https://ainu-upopoy.go.jp/lp/anniversary-2026/

About Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park) Opened in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, in 2020 as a base for the revival and creation of Ainu culture. It consists of the National Ainu Museum, the first national museum in Hokkaido; the National Ainu Park, an experiential field museum where visitors can engage with Ainu culture through their five senses; and a memorial facility for realizing dignified memorial services for the Ainu people. Located on the shores of Lake Poroto, surrounded by rich nature, visitors can experience Ainu culture and history from various angles through touch, participation, and more.

Official Website: https://ainu-upopoy.jp/ Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainumuseumpark/ Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upopoy/ Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upopoy

Location: 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902 Phone: 0144-82-3914 (General Inquiries) Access: Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station. Approximately 40 minutes by highway or train from New Chitose Airport. Admission Fee (Tax Included): Adults ¥1,200, High School Students ¥600, Junior High School Students and younger free. *Group rates available for 20 or more people. *Does not include fees for paid experience programs or special museum exhibitions. Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Subject to change depending on the season. Closed: Mondays, December 28 - January 4, 2027, and February 27 - March 8. If a Monday is a public holiday, the following weekday will be closed. *Special opening days may apply. Opening Date: July 12, 2020 Designated Corporation: National Ainu Museum and Park Management Foundation