Upopoy

Upopoy, officially the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, is a cultural complex in Shiraoi town, Iburi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan, dedicated to the history, culture, and language of the Ainu, the indigenous people of the region. The complex comprises two main facilities: the National Ainu Museum, which presents exhibitions on Ainu daily life, crafts, and history, and the Upopoy National Ainu Park, an outdoor area featuring reconstructed Ainu houses, craft workshops, performance spaces, and nature trails.

Opened to the public in 2020 as part of a nationwide effort to promote understanding and preservation of Ainu culture, Upopoy was developed with input from Ainu organizations and local authorities. The site operates as a national hub for education, research, and cultural exchange, hosting school programs, performances, festivals, and temporary exhibitions.

The name Upopoy derives from the Ainu language and is commonly understood to mean "singing together" or "a place for songs," reflecting the site's emphasis on communal culture and shared heritage.

As a national museum and park, Upopoy represents a milestone in the recognition of Ainu history in Japan and serves as a focal point for visitors seeking to learn about Ainu traditions, language revitalization, and contemporary culture.