[Event Report] Naomichi Cafe (Biratori Town Ainu Craft Tradition Center Urespa)

[From Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki's Facebook]

Yesterday, I visited the "Biratori Town Ainu Craft Tradition Center Urespa."
Urespa serves as a place for those aspiring to become Ainu craftspeople to acquire skills in traditional crafts designated by the national government, such as "Nibutani Ita" (trays) and "Nibutani Attush" (textiles). It also acts as a gateway for tourists and local residents to deepen their understanding of Ainu crafts by experiencing the magnificent techniques of leading craftspeople firsthand.

During our discussion, I spoke with Mr. Sadanori Arai, the director of the Urespa facility; Mr. Mamoru Kaizawa, representative director of the Nibutani Folk Craft Cooperative and a Nibutani Ainu woodcarver; and three young woodcarvers. They shared how the entire community supports young successors, and how not only the individuals themselves but also those around them feel the growth.

Hokkaido is home to various cultures that have been nurtured over many years in each region, including Ainu crafts. As a prefecture, we will continue to work with all involved parties to promote these regional charms so that they can be widely known to people both inside and outside of Hokkaido.

*Naomichi Cafe: An initiative where I visit the workplaces of people active in various fields to hear about their efforts and regional aspirations, which are then reflected in the prefecture's policies and shared widely.