Near Lake Akan in Kushiro, Hokkaido, there is the Akan Lake Ainu Kotan, a village that preserves and carries on Ainu culture. The Utasa Festival, which began in 2020, not only passes down Ainu traditions but also fuses them with contemporary music by rock bands—seemingly from a different culture—offering a rare chance to experience Ainu culture as it is today. Performances include traditional Ainu instruments, contemporary dance in full ethnic attire, and participation by both children and adults alongside professionals as performers. Become “Utasa” with the participants and immerse yourself in Ainu culture.

Near Lake Akan in Kushiro, Hokkaido, there is the Akan Lake Ainu Kotan, a village that preserves and carries on Ainu culture. The Utasa Festival, which began in 2020, not only passes down Ainu traditions but also fuses them with contemporary music by rock bands—seemingly from a different culture—offering a rare chance to experience Ainu culture as it is today. Performances include traditional Ainu instruments, contemporary dance in full ethnic attire, and participation by both children and adults alongside professionals as performers. Become “Utasa” with the participants and immerse yourself in Ainu culture.