THE ARTICULATION OF AINU IDENTITY THROUGH WOMEN’S ACTIVITIES IN MENOKO MOSMOS ASSOCIATION

Abstract

This paper examines the ways of Ainu women in the community articulating their identity as resistance from discrimination by the Japanese ethnic majority. One of the Ainu women’s communities is the Association of Menoko Mosmos which was recently established in 2017. This qualitative research is conducted to analyze the process of articulation through the activities organized by Ainu women who are involved in the Ainu Women’s Association of Menoko Mosmos. I focus on viewing the activities of Ainu women in order to understand how the Ainu women articulate their identity in this community and how their roles as women in revitalizing and promoting the Ainu culture which is considered endangered. The results of this research reveal that the Ainu women attempt to exist in the community of Menoko Mosmos Association as a resistance form in facing discrimination. The Ainu women who are involved have found a way to express their identity by engaging in cultural practices in particular related to traditionally domestic sphere activities, such as the events and workshops of Ainu food. These activities are carried out by Ainu women as a form of articulation that emphasizes their identity and positioning as Ainu women in Japanese society.KEYWORDS: Menoko Mosmos, Ainu women, Gender roles, Articulation