[Upopoy] Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido | Audio Guide App to be Renewed on April 1, 2026 (Wed)
Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park) will transition its official audio guide app from a downloadable format to a web-based system starting April 1, 2026. The update includes the addition of Ainu language text and audio to existing content, with the legacy app service ending on April 10, 2026.
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Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park), operated by the Ainu Culture Promotion Organization (Chairperson: Teruki Tomomoto; Central Ward, Sapporo), will renew its current "Upopoy Official Audio Guide App" effective April 1, 2026 (Wed).
Following the renewal, the service will be provided as a new system accessible via the web. In conjunction with this, we will release Ainu language text as an introduction to the existing content, in addition to the existing Ainu language audio.
Please note that the distribution of the conventional downloadable app will end on April 10, 2026 (Fri).
About the "Upopoy Official Audio Guide App"
Released in 2020 as a free app that can be downloaded to mobile devices (smartphones and tablets), it provides an overview of the exhibits and programs at the National Ainu Park and the National Ainu Museum, as well as information on various initiatives through audio and photos. It currently offers content for 31 items at the National Ainu Museum and 15 items at the National Ainu Park, provided in audio and text across 8 languages, including Ainu.
The app is intended to be enjoyed at home or used within the park during exhibit viewings and program experiences to deepen understanding of Ainu culture.
Upopoy Official Audio Guide App: https://upopoy.jp.orpheo.app/
Regarding the Termination of the Downloadable App
Distribution of the downloadable version of the "Upopoy Official Audio Guide App" on the App Store and Google Play will end on April 10, 2026 (Fri).
[Service Termination Date] April 10, 2026 (Fri)
[Regarding Use of the Old App After Distribution Ends]
While you may be able to use the app if it is already installed, please be aware that re-installation or re-downloading will no longer be possible.
Key Points of the Renewal
Transition from Downloadable Version to Browser Version
To use the app, you can access it immediately without downloading, provided you have an internet connection.
[Supported Environments]
Use on mobile devices is recommended.
OS: Latest Android, Latest iOS
Browser: Latest versions of Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox
Newly Written Ainu Text and Added Audio
At Upopoy, where Ainu is considered a primary language, we are engaged in various initiatives aimed at creating an environment where the Ainu language is spoken. For this update, we have added Ainu language text and audio to content already available at the National Ainu Park.
This can also be used as study material for those who wish to listen to or learn the Ainu language.
For the 15 items of added content, Upopoy staff spent two years writing, proofreading, and recording audio, with the goal of learning and using the Ainu language themselves, while receiving support from language researchers.
We will continue to deepen collaboration with stakeholders, local communities, and experts in our various Ainu language initiatives. We aim to further expand opportunities to encounter the Ainu language, promote sustainable Ainu language revitalization, and strengthen our outreach.
About Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park)
Opened in 2020 in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, as a center for the revitalization and creation of Ainu culture. It consists of the "National Ainu Museum," the first national museum in Hokkaido; the "National Ainu Park," an experiential field museum where you can feel Ainu culture with all five senses; and a "Memorial Facility" to realize dignified memorial services by the Ainu people. Located on the shores of Lake Poroto, surrounded by rich nature, visitors can experience Ainu culture and history from various perspectives through touching, experiencing, and more.
Official Website: https://ainu-upopoy.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainumuseumpark/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upopoy/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upopoy
Address: 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902
Phone: 0144-82-3914 (Main)
Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station. Approx. 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport via expressway or train.
Admission (tax included): General Adult 1,200 yen, General High School Student 600 yen, Junior High School students and younger are free.
*Group rates available for 20 or more people. *Does not include fees for paid experience programs or special museum exhibitions.
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Subject to change depending on the season)
Closed: Mondays, December 28 to January 4, 2027, and February 27 to March 8. If Monday is a national holiday, the park will be closed on the following weekday. *Special opening days apply.
Opening Date: July 12, 2020
Designated Corporation: Ainu Culture Promotion Organization
Following the renewal, the service will be provided as a new system accessible via the web. In conjunction with this, we will release Ainu language text as an introduction to the existing content, in addition to the existing Ainu language audio.
Please note that the distribution of the conventional downloadable app will end on April 10, 2026 (Fri).
About the "Upopoy Official Audio Guide App"
Released in 2020 as a free app that can be downloaded to mobile devices (smartphones and tablets), it provides an overview of the exhibits and programs at the National Ainu Park and the National Ainu Museum, as well as information on various initiatives through audio and photos. It currently offers content for 31 items at the National Ainu Museum and 15 items at the National Ainu Park, provided in audio and text across 8 languages, including Ainu.
The app is intended to be enjoyed at home or used within the park during exhibit viewings and program experiences to deepen understanding of Ainu culture.
Upopoy Official Audio Guide App: https://upopoy.jp.orpheo.app/
Regarding the Termination of the Downloadable App
Distribution of the downloadable version of the "Upopoy Official Audio Guide App" on the App Store and Google Play will end on April 10, 2026 (Fri).
[Service Termination Date] April 10, 2026 (Fri)
[Regarding Use of the Old App After Distribution Ends]
While you may be able to use the app if it is already installed, please be aware that re-installation or re-downloading will no longer be possible.
Key Points of the Renewal
Transition from Downloadable Version to Browser Version
To use the app, you can access it immediately without downloading, provided you have an internet connection.
[Supported Environments]
Use on mobile devices is recommended.
OS: Latest Android, Latest iOS
Browser: Latest versions of Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox
Newly Written Ainu Text and Added Audio
At Upopoy, where Ainu is considered a primary language, we are engaged in various initiatives aimed at creating an environment where the Ainu language is spoken. For this update, we have added Ainu language text and audio to content already available at the National Ainu Park.
This can also be used as study material for those who wish to listen to or learn the Ainu language.
For the 15 items of added content, Upopoy staff spent two years writing, proofreading, and recording audio, with the goal of learning and using the Ainu language themselves, while receiving support from language researchers.
We will continue to deepen collaboration with stakeholders, local communities, and experts in our various Ainu language initiatives. We aim to further expand opportunities to encounter the Ainu language, promote sustainable Ainu language revitalization, and strengthen our outreach.
About Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park)
Opened in 2020 in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, as a center for the revitalization and creation of Ainu culture. It consists of the "National Ainu Museum," the first national museum in Hokkaido; the "National Ainu Park," an experiential field museum where you can feel Ainu culture with all five senses; and a "Memorial Facility" to realize dignified memorial services by the Ainu people. Located on the shores of Lake Poroto, surrounded by rich nature, visitors can experience Ainu culture and history from various perspectives through touching, experiencing, and more.
Official Website: https://ainu-upopoy.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainumuseumpark/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upopoy/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upopoy
Address: 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902
Phone: 0144-82-3914 (Main)
Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station. Approx. 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport via expressway or train.
Admission (tax included): General Adult 1,200 yen, General High School Student 600 yen, Junior High School students and younger are free.
*Group rates available for 20 or more people. *Does not include fees for paid experience programs or special museum exhibitions.
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Subject to change depending on the season)
Closed: Mondays, December 28 to January 4, 2027, and February 27 to March 8. If Monday is a national holiday, the park will be closed on the following weekday. *Special opening days apply.
Opening Date: July 12, 2020
Designated Corporation: Ainu Culture Promotion Organization