Learn about Ainu spirituality through wood carving

The tour program begins with a lecture on how to use the chisel and the technique for carving. You will also get to learn about Ainu spirituality. To the Ainu, they do not simply “carve the wood”, but rather “receive the privilege of carving the wood”. This is to show reverence to the spirit of the trees, known in the Ainu language as “sir-kor-kamuy” meaning “the god who holds the earth”. They believe that the trees protect the ground, enabling smaller plants and animals to live. You will see how such words in the Ainu language reflect their spiritual culture.

The tonkori, a traditional musical instrument

In this tour program, you will create a lucky charm in the shape of a tonkori, a traditional string instrument of the Ainu. Originally an instrument of the Sakhalin Ainu, it is also commonly used by the Lake Akan Ainu in performances onboard sightseeing boats and in the Iomante Fire Festival performance in the Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikor. You should go and watch these performances if you want to hear the real sound of a tonkori.

Wood carving in Ainu society

In Ainu society, wood carving was the domain of men. They carved intricate patterns onto various items such as bowls and knives called “makiri”. One of the most important wood items of the Ainu is the “ikupasuy”, a ceremonial stick carved with beautifully elaborate designs. It is used by Ainu men when they make prayers and offerings to spirits in rituals called “kamuy-nomi”.

After carving the wooden charm, you can choose to attach beads and a leather cord to make a pendant, or a ring and chain to make a keychain. Take it home as a memento of your time with the Ainu in Lake Akan.