7The Ainu of Japan: Nature Worship and Oral Traditions

The Ainu people, indigenous to northern Japan, have a unique culture that predates the arrival of the Japanese. The Ainu worldview is deeply animistic, believing that all living things, as well as natural phenomena like rivers and mountains, possess spirits. This belief is reflected in their rituals, songs, and traditional crafts, such as intricate wood carvings and embroidered textiles.

Ainu oral traditions, passed down through generations, are central to preserving their history and spiritual practices. Despite centuries of assimilation policies, the Ainu have worked to revitalize their language and culture, preserving their distinct identity.

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