While Hollywood celebrated the Emmy Awards last month, Japanese director Takeshi Fukunaga was documenting a culturally significant ritual among Japan’s indigenous Ainu people. Fukunaga filmed a rare Ainu bear ceremony being performed for the first time in decades in a remote Hokkaido village. Though known for directing episodes of FX’s “Shogun” and Hulu’s “Tokyo Vice,” Fukunaga remains committed to telling intimate stories through independent films.
His latest project, the documentary “Ainu Ways,” focuses on efforts to revive traditional Ainu salmon fishing. The film profiles Shigeki Amanai, who has worked over ten years to pass Ainu fishing methods to new generations. It also explores the history of Ainu lands, language, and rights following Japan’s annexation of Hokkaido in 1869. Through Amanai’s story, Fukunaga shows how Ainu culture has endured despite struggles over territory and loss of traditions.
Despite growing up in Hokkaido, Fukunaga was unaware of the Ainu as a child. He realized while studying film in the U.S. that Americans knew more about Native Americans than Japanese knew about the Ainu. This motivated Fukunaga to make a film bringing greater awareness to issues still facing the Ainu today.
In “Ainu Ways,” modern adaptations and plastic materials are used respectfully alongside ancient practices. Fukunaga criticizes depictions like a live-action show casting Japanese actors as Ainu. He believes representation must meet international standards. The documentary premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival, where Amanai and his son made history as the first to walk the red carpet in traditional Ainu attire. Fukunaga saw this as an important moment for the culture.
Through thoughtful storytelling, Fukunaga honors Ainu resilience while addressing global issues often impacting indigenous groups. His documentary brings greater understanding of an important part of Japan’s history.
