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last mo.

Japan Returns 20 Ainu Remains as University of Tokyo Issues Formal Apology

This rare state recognition of Ainu rights precedes a sacred reburial planned later this month.

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Overview

  • On July 14, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism handed over 19 Ainu remains and funerary items long held at UPOPOI to Inkarusipe no Kai.
  • The Otaru City General Museum also returned one additional ancestor’s remain during the same ceremony.
  • University of Tokyo officials issued their first formal apology for past research practices that violated Ainu dignity.
  • According to the ministry, this is only the second occasion on which the national government has repatriated indigenous remains to a community organization.
  • Inkarusipe no Kai plans to rebury all 20 remains in an Otaru cemetery before the end of July.