Master—An Ainu Story provides a rare insight into the lives of modern-day Ainu (an indigenous people of Japan). Through the personal experiences of Matsuda san, this book tells the story of survival and adaptation of the Ainu. It shows how the effects of laws imposed by the Japanese government instilled a lasting shame in the Ainu people due to their cultural heritage.
Matsuda san, known as “master” (which roughly translates to “boss” in English) to his family, colleagues and patrons, has grown up sandwiched between two generations of Ainu which have very different attitudes towards their heritage. While his grandparent’s generation encouraged their children and grandchildren to assimilate for fear of discrimination, recent generations have started to demand recognition of their indigenous status, which was finally given in February 2019.
Master—An Ainu Story provides a rare insight into the lives of modern-day Ainu (an indigenous people of Japan). Through the personal experiences of Matsuda san, this book tells the story of survival and adaptation of the Ainu. It shows how the effects of laws imposed by the Japanese government instilled a lasting shame in the Ainu people due to their cultural heritage.
Matsuda san, known as “master” (which roughly translates to “boss” in English) to his family, colleagues and patrons, has grown up sandwiched between two generations of Ainu which have very different attitudes towards their heritage. While his grandparent’s generation encouraged their children and grandchildren to assimilate for fear of discrimination, recent generations have started to demand recognition of their indigenous status, which was finally given in February 2019.
