Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Origins of the Ainu Religious Conversion at Hokkaido in Japan

Xiaoli XiongThe University of British Columbia*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

The Ainus in Japan were the indigenous people who lived in Northern Japan and Russia. Before the Russian and Japanese arrived in Japan, the Ainu people had their own culture, rituals and values. In their culture, natural spirits exist everywhere. This view is often referred to as Kamui. However, recent studies have shown that the majority of the Ainu community nowadays do not believe in their native religion. Instead, they are mostly believers of Shintoism and Buddhism. This paper traces the origin of the Ainu religion and how the primary religion of the Ainu community has changed to today’s situation. The study relies mainly on existing literature. By analyzing interviews, journal articles, and books, the paper seeks to provide a new perspective in understanding the Ainu religion and the influence of religion among indigenous people.

Keywords: indigenous people; Japan; religion; Buddhism
Published: September 14, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/5/20230264
Volume: CHR Vol.5
pp. 259-263
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