Formally named the National Ainu Museum and Park, Upopoy opened in July in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. The facility is designed to serve as the “national center” for restoring and promoting Ainu culture.

SHIRAOI, Hokkaido--Japan's first national facility ... Staff of the National Ainu Museum and Park here greeted visitors with “Irankarapte” (Hello) in the Ainu language. From early in the ...