An epoch-making event? The 1997 Ainu Cultural Promotion Act and its impact

Abstract

This article considers the impact of the Ainu Cultural Promotion Act (enacted 1 July 1997) on contemporary Ainu culture, politics and identity. It describes the events leading to this legislation and suggests that, while it represents on the surface a new official approach to multiculturalism, it has not significantly displaced older attitudes towards Japanese homogeneity and the management of minorities. Although it is only five years since the CPA was enacted, the article argues that it has had a negative effect on the Ainu movement for political and human rights and has some disturbing implications for Ainu identity.