I’d like to introduce you to some new documentaries on NHK World. NHK is the public broadcaster in Japan. It’s free! Please watch before they’re disappeared.
Rediscovering Ainu Heritage Part1 and Part2
It’s about the lives of young people who have Ainu roots. Mai Ishihara has a mixed ethnic background and identifies herself as a Hidden Ainu. Daiki Kuzuno learns the Ainu language from a Japanese man who had learned the Ainu language from Daiki’s grandfather.
It features Marewrew, three Ainu singers who mostly sing Upopo, which is singing in a round. This is a beautiful short documentary.
Giving a Voice to Minorities: Fukunaga Takeshi
This is an interview with Mr. Takeshi Fukunaga, who made Ainu Mosir, which won Best Feature at the Guanjuato International Film Festival, and Best Narrative Feature (Special Jury Mention) at the Tribeca Film Festival. This interview contains behind the camera information and why he decided to make this film.