This week I'm joined by long-time Sapporo resident Matt Cotter for a conversation about Ainu history, culture, language, and life in modern Hokkaido.The Ainu are the indigenous people of northern Japan, and in this episode we cover a wide range of topics, from some of the darker chapters of Ainu-Japanese history to the ongoing challenges facing Ainu communities today. We also talk about Ainu art, food, language, cultural preservation, and the efforts being made to keep Ainu traditions alive for future generations.Matt shares his own experiences learning about Ainu culture, studying the language, and meeting Ainu people throughout his years in Hokkaido. We also discuss why understanding their history is such an important part of understanding Hokkaido itself.This was a great conversation and one that I think will be of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about the people, history, and culture that helped shape this island we call home. Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/cyclinghokkaidoCycling Hokkaido on Instagram:www.instagram.com/cycling.hokkaido.podcast/

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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