CATS will hold the Tourism Online Forum Series (TOFS) vol.43 on Thursday, December 5. Anyone is welcome to attend. We look forward to your participation.

*This forum has been finished.
  Archived videos are available on CATS official YouTube.

▶ Tourism Online Forum Series (TOFS) vol.43
　 https://youtu.be/_F73iboQuqo

▶ Click here for other archived videos.
　 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4z592IeJi3FNJ98VevfDYA

Bridging Cultural Heritage and Tourism through Ainu Art

Abstract:
This presentation explores the intersection of Ainu art, cultural heritage, and tourism, shedding light on the complexities and opportunities presented by modern engagements with Indigenous cultures. As an Ainu artist, scholar, and cultural advocate, I aim to challenge stereotypes and expand narratives about the Ainu people, whose traditions and artistic expressions have historically been misunderstood, marginalized, or objectified within Japanese society. By highlighting various Ainu art forms—including dance, music, and craft—and examining their role within cultural heritage and tourism, I discuss how these mediums can empower Indigenous voices, preserve cultural practices, and foster deeper understanding among local and international visitors.

The discussion extends to the role of Ainu art in contemporary tourism and how it can create both positive impacts and potential challenges. While cultural tourism offers economic benefits and visibility, it can also lead to commercialization or misinterpretation of Indigenous expressions. I address these tensions through my experience as an Ainu artist, curator, and researcher, advocating for respectful collaboration with the Ainu community and developing sustainable, culturally respectful approaches to tourism.

I will conclude with insights into how Ainu art can serve as a platform for cultural exchange, encouraging visitors to engage in meaningful dialogues around cultural heritage and identity. Through this perspective, I envision a future where Ainu art not only supports the revitalization of Ainu culture but also acts as a medium for promoting inclusivity, understanding, and responsible cultural tourism.

Hosted by: Hokkaido University, Center for Advanced Tourism Studies (CATS)

Date/Time: Thursday 5 December 2024  |  17:00-18:30 (JST)

Venue: Online (Zoom Webinar)

Language: English

Capacity: 50 persons

Participation fee: Free to join (pre-registration system)

Speaker: Dr. Kanako UZAWA
Bio:
I am an Ainu scholar, artist, and cultural advisor dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices worldwide. Founder of AinuToday(ainutoday.com) and CEO of K. Uzawa Consult, I am an Assistant Professor at Hokkaido University’s Global Station for Indigenous Studies and Cultural Diversity and an affiliated researcher at the Historical Museum of the University of Oslo, Norway. With an MA in Indigenous Studies and a PhD in Community Planning from UiT Arctic University, I bridge academia and art to preserve Indigenous knowledge. I serve on the Upopoy National Ainu Museum Council and contribute to collaborative research globally. My artistic work,
performed internationally, celebrates the Ainu spirit, and envisions an inclusive, culturally diverse future.

Moderator: Dr. Meng Qu

Registration:
Please register at the URL below. 
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pH3vUnSUSXqSXdm6pOgfvg

Contact:
Hokkaido University, Center for Advanced Tourism Studies (CATS)
online-forum(at)cats.hokudai.ac.jp
*Please replace the (at) part with @.