| The Ainu of Japan is one of the titles in the First Peoples series published by Lerner Publishing Group. This series aims to provide students from grades 5 to 7 with an in-depth look at the traditional and contemporary culture of an Indigenous People. In this title, the author explains who the Ainu People are and the geography of their traditional homeland of Hokkaido, the most northern of Japan's four islands. The Hokkaido environment has mountains, forests, wetlands, and rugged cliffs. As well the island has numerous plants and trees and mammals, birds, and fish. The chapters explain the history of the Ainu as they struggled to maintain their territory and cultural traditions and how the modern world and issues are encroaching on their hunting and fishing grounds. Two chapters explain their traditional and modern homes; there is a chapter about the importance of the bear to the Ainu; a chapter about clothing worn in different seasons; Ainu arts, and traditional language. The final chapters cover ceremonies and beliefs, and special celebrations such as the Bear Festival and the modern Salmon Festival. Each chapter is explained in a 2-page spread that includes full-colour photos and highlighted inserts. The text includes maps, a glossary, additional resources such as books, websites and videos, and an index. This series is an important addition to school libraries as they introduce various Indigenous Peoples of the world to students. |
