Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikoro　Experience the Mystique of Traditional Ainu Dance

Ancient Dance: held from late April to late October and from early December to mid-March
Lost Kamuy: held all year long

The ancient dance performances of the Ainu (Hokkaido’s indigenous people) are a designated National Important Intangible Folk Culture Property, and a tradition recognized as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. These dances were born of living in respect of and coexistence with nature and represent themes of nature and traditional ways of life. The Ainu dance is performed to express respect and gratitude towards their ancestors and the kamuy, the gods and spirits of the Ainu belief system. A modern performance called Lost Kamuy blends the ancient dances of the Ainu with both modern dance and digital art to offer a window into their mystical view of the world.