[Upopoy] Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido | Outdoor Large Playground "Tomtom" Finally Opens!

The Ainu Culture Foundation (Sapporo, Chuo-ku, Chairman Teruki Tsunemoto), which operates Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park), will open "Tomtom," an outdoor large playground developed with the aim of helping children learn about Ainu culture in a fun way.

To mark the opening, an opening ceremony will be held, inviting kindergarten and nursery school children from Shiraoi Town.

"Tomtom" is Japan's first large playground where children can experience Ainu culture, developed to further expand opportunities for inheriting and experiencing Ainu culture.
*The small "mu" in "Tomtom" is subscript.

Toddler play equipment modeled after salmon. Children's play equipment modeled after boats.

Event Name:
Outdoor Large Playground "Tomtom" Opening Ceremony
Date:
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 10:00 AM (Canceled in case of rain)
Location:
Upopoy Playground Area "Tomtom"
Participants:
Kindergarten and nursery school children from Shiraoi Town, Mayor of Shiraoi Town
Contents (Planned):
9:30 AM Children arrive (guided to the playground in order of arrival)
9:45 AM Gather at Tomtom
10:00 AM Opening Ceremony
10:15 AM Commemorative photo with Toureppon in front of the playground equipment
10:30 AM Children experience the large playground equipment

[About the Outdoor Large Playground "Tomtom"]
Name:
"Tomtom" (Ainu word meaning "sparkling" or "shining.")
*Ainu language has dialectal differences depending on the region.

Concept:
Nature supporting Ainu life
Area Theme: Traditional living space - "Fishing" in waterside life

Feature 1:
Unique complex play equipment with Ainu cultural motifs, characteristic of Upopoy, incorporating many play elements.

Children's play equipment modeled after boats
The "itaomachip" (boat) used by the Ainu for fishing in the sea and large rivers was uniquely constructed as a "plank-stitched boat," where planks were sewn with rope onto a dugout canoe to avoid waves. The equipment is shaped to evoke a boat overcoming waves.
*The small "pu" in "Itaomachip" is subscript.

Toddler play equipment modeled after salmon
Salmon was a staple food for the Ainu, with no part of the fish wasted, and it was the most important fish caught in rivers. The Ainu cherished salmon as "the fish of the gods." The equipment is shaped to evoke salmon swimming upstream.

Feature 2:
The entire plaza is surrounded by "Moreu," a traditional Ainu pattern, creating a space characteristic of Upopoy.
The "Moreu" (spiral pattern) is adorned with "Kirau" (Ainu word for "horn"). The pointed "Kirau" is said to have meanings such as warding off evil, and this design incorporates the wish for children to play safely.

Feature 3:
Providing inclusive play that allows children to understand and support each other regardless of disabilities.
The width of paths, slopes, and materials have been carefully considered, and play features have been incorporated throughout, so that all children, including wheelchair users, can play together.
*Inclusive playground equipment:
Park playgrounds are open to all children, regardless of their abilities, characteristics, or background. However, children with disabilities and their families have expressed difficulties and burdens in playing. Against this background, the development of inclusive playgrounds where everyone can play in urban parks has been progressing in recent years. (Quote: "Reference Cases for Creating Playgrounds in Urban Parks Where Everyone Can Play and Grow Together" by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, City Bureau)

About the installation of playground equipment:
Since its opening in 2020 (Reiwa 2), Upopoy has received feedback from visitors that there are "few places for children to play." Responding to customer feedback and with the desire for children to learn about Ainu culture in a fun way, Upopoy conceived the installation of playground equipment within its organization in fiscal year 2024 (Reiwa 6).
The concept and motifs for playground equipment suitable for Upopoy were repeatedly discussed by the "Upopoy Playground Equipment Installation Review Team," consisting of staff members responsible for kids' program planning and those raising children.

Comment from Masahiro Nomoto, Chairman of the Upopoy Playground Equipment Installation Review Team (Director of the National Ainu Museum):
Upopoy is a space where adults and children can experience and learn Ainu culture together. The "Tomtom" playground allows adults to enjoy playing together while feeling their children's growth. The brightly shining "Tomtom" will connect Ainu culture to the future.