2026 is the centennial of the birth of Shigeru Kayano, who was the first ever and, so far, the only Ainu Cabinet Member in Japan’s parliament.
Those who watched our documentary, Ainu—Indigenous People of Japan, know that Reiko Kayano is Shigeru’s wife. I went to the town of Biratori last year and visited Reiko. She is genki, or doing well, living in the same house where the couple worked hard to keep Ainu culture alive.
Their son and grandson also live in the same neighborhood and are still keeping Shigeru’s legacy alive by continuing his Nibutani Ainu language class, Ainu community FM radio station, and Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum. Shigeru’s grandson and his wife run a hostel right next to the museum.
I first went to the town of Biratori in 2008, which was two years after Shigeru passed away. This year is also the 20th anniversary of his passing. What a special year! I really wish I could have had the chance to have met him in person. Luckily, we have lots of books he wrote and archival videos that we can still watch. I hope everyone appreciates the people who took the time to make these recordings!
In this special year, there will be a lot of events celebrating Shigeru’s centennial in Biratori. I will try to keep you updated and get the word out as much as I can. I am planning to go there to film some interviews this year.
Are you thinking that Japan is too far away to visit? I have some good news for you, especially people who live on the East Coast. Guess what ? Stay tuned…. I will let you know as soon as I can.
In the meantime, here are some resources available in English to get to know more about Shigeru Kayano. He published over 100 books and essays, but unfortunately, many of them are only in Japanese. (Actually, I am rereading some of the books to refresh my memory.)
Books written by Shigeru Kayano
The Ainu: A Story of Japan’s Original People
The Goddess of the Wind and Okikukrumi (FREE)
Videos *Full versions are only available for institutions, but you can take a peek.
Toronto Kamuy – The Spirit of Sake made by *Shiro Kayano
Language is the Proof of People made by *Shiro Kayano
*Shiro Kayano is Shigeru’s son