Experience Ainu Circle Dance vs. Hokkaido Bon Odori: Interactive Event 'Upopoy Summer Festival 2026' to Be Held — Perfect for Summer Vacation Research Projects. Stamp Rally to Collect Ainu Language Nicknames Also Featured

The Ainu Culture Foundation (Sapporo City, Chuo Ward, President Teruki Tokumoto), which operates Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony), will host the 'Upopoy Summer Festival 2026' for four days from Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 16, 2026.

This event will introduce Ainu traditional rituals such as Kamui-nomi, performing arts, and children's games, while also offering experiences of Hokkaido's inherited festival culture.

By engaging with and comparing these two cultures, visitors will have the opportunity to feel Ainu culture more closely. We invite you to experience the hopes, daily lives, and diverse regional charms embedded in these cultural traditions.

Event Schedule

August 13 (Thu) – August 16 (Sun), 2026, 9:00–18:00

Featured Programs

Opening and Closing Kamui-nomi

Kamui-nomi is a traditional Ainu ritual. On the first day, prayers are offered to the deities (Kamui) for the safety of the festival and participants. On the final day, gratitude is expressed for the successful conclusion of the event.

Everyone Dance Together

Participants will experience and compare the Ainu circle dance 'Iyomante Rimuse' with Hokkaido's familiar 'Hokkaido Bon Odori' and 'Children's Bon Odori' by dancing together.

Night of Poroto Kotan – Charms –

Some dances carry wishes such as warding off evil spirits. This program will introduce traditional Ainu charms.

Play Stalls

Experience traditional Ainu children's games alongside classic Japanese festival games, offering a direct encounter with two distinct cultures.

Ponre Stamp Rally

Visitors who collect stamps by learning the staff members' Ponre (nicknames in the Ainu language) will receive commemorative gifts.

Details

Please visit the official event website: https://ainu-upopoy.go.jp/lp/specialevent-summer2026/

About Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony)

Opened in 2020 in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, as a hub for the revival and creation of Ainu culture. Upopoy comprises the 'National Ainu Museum' (Hokkaido's first national museum), the 'National Ainu Park' (an experiential field museum where visitors engage with Ainu culture through all five senses), and a 'Spiritual Memorial Facility' designed to honor Ainu ancestors with dignity. Located beside the scenic Lake Poroto, surrounded by nature, it offers diverse ways to experience Ainu culture and history through touch, participation, and immersion.

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

Address: 2-3 Wakabamachi, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902

Phone: 0144-82-3914 (main line)

Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Shiraoi Station; about 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport via expressway or train.

Admission Fee (tax included): General adults 1,200 yen, high school students 600 yen, junior high school students and younger free of charge

* Group rates available for parties of 20 or more. * Fees for paid experiential programs and special museum exhibitions are not included.

Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00

* Hours may vary by season.

Closed Days: Mondays and December 28 – January 4, 2027; February 27 – March 8. If Monday is a national holiday, closed on the following weekday.

* Special opening days may apply.

Opening Date: July 12, 2020

Designated Operator: Ainu Culture Foundation (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation)