The Ainu: Japan's Forgotten Indigenous People

**This source chronicles the history of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, highlighting their deep cultural roots and subsequent systematic suppression by the Japanese government.** It details the forced assimilation under the Meiji government, including the banning of their language, customs, and spiritual practices, alongside the seizure of their ancestral lands. **The text explores the Ainu's connection to the ancient Jomon people, supported by genetic and cultural evidence, while also acknowledging some interaction with other ancient populations.** It discusses early European anthropological interest in the Ainu and the eventual shift towards understanding them as descendants of the Jomon. **Furthermore, the source examines the unique aspects of Ainu culture, including their animistic spirituality centered on "kamuy," their intricate textile art and wood carvings, and the critically endangered state of their distinct language.** The impact of the Yayoi migration on Japan's population and the Ainu's linguistic isolation are also considered. **Ultimately, the source presents the Ainu's story as one of resilience against cultural obliteration, emphasizing the importance of remembering their heritage.**

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