Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River has transitioned from Japan House London to the National Museum of Lithuania, marking an important cultural collaboration. Originally displayed in London during 2023 and 2024, the exhibition attracted over 160,000 visitors and is now set to be part of A Soul Between Worlds exhibition in Vilnius from February 5 to August 2, 2026.
Curated in partnership with the Ainu community of Biratori, situated in the Saru River basin of southern Hokkaido, the exhibition highlights the significance of Ainu culture and its connection to the local environment. It also reveals historical ties between the UK and Biratori, fostering a deeper understanding of the Ainu people’s contemporary lives.
Exhibition Highlights and Collaborations
In Vilnius, elements of the Ainu exhibition will be paired with works from Bronisław Piłsudski, a notable Lithuanian-Polish ethnographer recognized for his research on the Sakhalin Ainu. This collaboration commemorates the 160th anniversary of Piłsudski’s birth, offering a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of Ainu history and Lithuanian culture. The exhibition will showcase various artifacts, including video footage captured in Biratori, and specially commissioned woodwork from Japan House London.
Additionally, items related to Ainu tourism will be on display, such as an Ainu-designed Coca-Cola bottle and carved wooden bears from the personal collection of Simon Wright, Director of Programming at Japan House London. The exhibition aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience into the Ainu culture, both historically and in a contemporary context.
Wright expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibition’s journey, stating, “It’s wonderful to see Ainu culture being continually celebrated and explored by cultural organizations across Europe.” He emphasized the importance of sharing the stories of the Ainu community and how they navigate their identities today.
Panel Discussion and Global Reach
On the opening day of the exhibition, a panel discussion will take place at the National Museum of Lithuania. Wright will join the exhibition’s curator and scholars specializing in Bronisław Piłsudski to discuss the cultural significance of this collaboration. The event is expected to attract attention from academics and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Following its run in Lithuania, significant elements of the Ainu Stories exhibition will travel to Poland later in the year. This continuation of the exhibition underscores a growing interest in indigenous cultures and their narratives across Europe, promoting a broader understanding of their histories and contemporary realities.
The Japan House London exhibition remains accessible virtually, providing an opportunity for individuals worldwide to engage with Ainu culture from the comfort of their homes. Further information about the Ainu culture and its rich heritage can be explored online, allowing for an expanded audience to appreciate the depth of this unique tradition.
