Life and Culture of Ethnic Minorities in the Far East

There are many traces of the indigenous Ainu people throughout Hokkaido, including "chashi" (forts) and "pirkanoka" (scenic spots) that were the setting for "yukara" (heroic epic poems). Hokkaido, where the Ainu people lived, has many national parks and is a treasure trove of endemic flora and fauna. As part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the area is also home to active volcanoes, which have created unique landforms. The natural environment found in the national parks was closely related to the lives and culture of the Ainu people. The cultural assets and natural landscapes related to the Ainu people of Hokkaido provide examples of land use and culture among ethnic minorities in Far East Asia, as well as information about the unique natural environment of Hokkaido.