Ainu Art Show 2026

About this event

Held as a gathering place for artists and craftspeople who inherit the traditions of Ainu culture while expanding into new forms of expression through modern creativity, "Ainu Art Show 2026" marks its 5th anniversary milestone this year. The event will present a more diverse program than ever before, exploring new possibilities for "AINU ART." In addition to the exhibition and sale of crafts and artworks that have been popular every year, the venue will welcome an American Hopi Native guest artist from overseas to foster international exchange. Furthermore, content offering a sensory experience of the latest video and visual space by OKI—a tonkori player and film director—will also be provided. Visitors can experience an event that widely conveys the preservation, evolution, and contemporary appeal of Ainu culture while creating a new creative space where diverse cultures resonate with one another. Key programs include a stage greeting and film screening by OKI titled "Big Ekashi of Poroto," OKI's artwork exhibition and talk show, exhibition sales and talk shows by American Hopi Native silversmiths and Ainu craftspeople, a talk on food culture and tasting experience of Ainu cuisine by a culture bearer from Shiranuka, and craft workshops led by artisan instructors held on both days.

Venue

Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony)

2-3 Wakakusacho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902