Chitose Ainu Association Visits Anchorage

The Chitose Ainu Association visited Anchorage from Hokkaido, Japan, to participate in the 2025 Annual AFN (Alaska Federation of Natives) Convention at Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage.

On Oct. 15th, Head Consul Hamada received a courtesy call from Mr. Yoshio Nakamura, Chairman of the association. During their visit, Head Consul Hamada expressed his hope that this visit would be a fruitful time to share about the Ainu people and learn from other Indigenous people around Alaska as well as Indigenous delegations from Greenland and Hawaii.

Later that day, the Chitose Ainu association gave a presentation at AFN. Their presentation consisted of a video about Ainu life and traditions, speeches about the shared struggles between the Ainu and Alaskan native peoples and hopes for the future, a demonstration of Mukkuri (a traditional Ainu instrument that mimics sounds found in nature), and Ainu dance. Their performance was very well received, drawing heavy applause from the hundreds of guests in attendance.

On Oct. 16th, Anchorage’s Sister Cities Commission hosted a dinner in the mayor’s conference hall for the delegation as an opportunity to meet with Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance as well as chair of the Anchorage Assembly Chris Constant, President of the Eklutna Native Tribe Aaron Legett, and numerous current and former commission members.

The Consular Office of Japan looks forward to continued cooperation with Chitose Ainu Association.