Twelfth International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

This study deals with the representation of Ainu people in select museum exhibits in contemporary Japan and the perception of museum visitors on these exhibits. Through surveys and interviews with museums visitors and curators, along with museum visits to several museums in Japan, this study argues that the contemporary representation of Ainu people in museums remain largely focused on traditional aspect albeit can be classified into three levels. First, in most museums, the sole focus is on the traditional or historical aspect of the Ainu people while their presence in the contemporary period is barely mentioned; second, the Ainu people as leading a traditional lifestyle even in the contemporary period; and finally, the multifaceted existence in the contemporary period are somewhat depicted in some museums. Survey results, coupled with interviews with select museum curators also revealed some dynamics in terms of the nature of museums and the varying perceptions between foreign and Japanese visitors. Additionally, while museum curators are aware of these problems, they are also confronted with several issues, making exhibition renewals and changing the narratives of the exhibitions a challenge. Finally, recent changes in the social environment along with the passage of Ainu-related laws and policies seems to promise a better representation as well as participation of Ainu people in museums in the future. The opening of the National Ainu Museum in April 2020 may also act as a springboard to further discuss the situation of Ainu people, and push for their active involvement in the future.