Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > Japanese Government Policies in Education, Science, Sports and Culture 2000 > Part 2 Chapter 8 Section 8

With the view of protecting Japan's cultural properties, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, based on the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, has traditionally conducted such activities as designating cultural properties related to the Ainu people and provided support for projects carried out by the Hokkaido Board of Education.

In consideration of the existing state of the Ainu traditions and culture, which are a source of pride for the Ainu people, the Law for the Promotion of the Ainu Culture and for the Dissemination and Advocacy for the Traditions of the Ainu and the Ainu Culture was enacted in May 1997 and came into force in July 1997. By advancing various policies to promote the Ainu traditions and culture, this law aims to realize a society where the ethnic pride of the Ainu is respected and to also contribute to the development of multifarious culture in Japan.

The Director-General of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Director-General of the Hokkaido Development Agency have appointed the Foundation for the Research and Promotion of Ainu Culture (FRPAC) to conduct activities based on the provisions of the aforementioned law. Support is being provided for the programs of the FRPAC, which include assistance to research regarding the Ainu, popularization of the Ainu language, promotion of the restoration, reproduction, transmission, and dissemination of Ainu culture as well as intercultural exchange in Japan and abroad, commendation and recognition of outstanding Ainu cultural activities, the collection and provision of information relating to the Ainu, the Ainu Cultural Festival, and practical lectures on Ainu music and traditional dance aimed at beginners.

Through support for these activities and advice to local governments, the Agency for Cultural Affairs is working to further advance policies aimed at the promotion of Ainu culture.

Ainu Cultural Festival