Historic move to recognise the Ainu
Saturday, June 7th, 20087/6/08
Japan has for the first time recognised the Ainu as anindigenous people, pledging to support the traditionally nature-worshipping community that has endured centuries of discrimination. It is a landmark move for Japan, which has prided itself onbeing ethnically homogeneous but where the Ainu have sharply lower incomes and educational levels. Parliament yesterday unanimously approved a resolution recognising the Ainu and calling for “immediate” support to the community. The move is primarily symbolic, although it is likely to lead to economic aid. The resolution comes ahead of next month’s summit of the Group of Eight rich nations on the northern island of Hokkaido, home to most of Japan’s 70,000 Ainu.
