Overcoming the past to revive their culture
The Ainu have come into the 21st century with a renewed vigor in their culture and strive to keep alive the traditions of their ancestors. Ainu of Japan are fighting for their rights within the Japanese state today. And they continue to fight for recognition within the country so that they can thrive.
Descendants of the Ainu are beginning to bring back the tradition of Tattooing in face of the Japanese stigma surrounding tattoo's. Ainu language schools are starting to take hold among Ainu population centers. And the Ainu religion is recognized by the Japanese state leading to the revitalization of traditional festivals and prayers to the kamuy across Japan. The Ainu serve as an example to indigenous groups around the world, for their strength and resolve to see their culture thrive.