Ainu cultural festivals launch in Hokkaido in August 2026

Two free Ainu‑culture events are scheduled in Hokkaido during August 2026. The Kushiro City Zoo will host a series of workshops on August 15, including wood‑carving and embroidery of traditional Ainu patterns, followed by a guided session on the relationship between Ainu culture and local flora and fauna on August 22. The events are open to the public, with limited slots for hands‑on activities.

The Asahikawa Ainu Festival will take place on August 22‑23 at the Asahikawa Station north‑gate plaza. The two‑day program features traditional Ainu dance, a live radio broadcast, VR digital tours, tonkori music workshops, food‑truck offerings, and a digital stamp rally that runs through October. Both events aim to promote Ainu heritage through modern entertainment and community participation.