Upopoy Celebrates 6th Anniversary with "Upopoy Festival 2026" in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido
Key facts
- Upopoy Celebrates 6th Anniversary with "Upopoy Festival 2026" in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido
- Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park), operated by the National Ainu Museum and Park Management Foundation, will hold "Upopoy Festival 2026" on July 11-12, 2026, to commemorate its 6th anniversary. The festival aims to express gratitude to Ainu cultural inheritors from various regions who have supported Upopoy since its inception, offering opportunities to experience contemporary Ainu culture through photo exhibitions, oral literature performances, and traditional costume displays.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 11, 2026
Direct answer
Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park), operated by the National Ainu Museum and Park Management Foundation, will hold "Upopoy Festival 2026" on July 11-12, 2026, to commemorate its 6th anniversary. The festival aims to express gratitude to Ainu cultural inheritors from various regions who have supported Upopoy since its inception, offering opportunities to experience contemporary Ainu culture through photo exhibitions, oral literature performances, and traditional costume displays.
- Citation
- Upopoy Celebrates 6th Anniversary with "Upopoy Festival 2026" in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido (June 11, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 11, 2026
Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park), operated by the National Ainu Museum and Park Management Foundation, will hold "Upopoy Festival 2026" on July 11-12, 2026, to commemorate its 6th anniversary. The festival aims to express gratitude to Ainu cultural inheritors from various regions who have supported Upopoy since its inception, offering opportunities to experience contemporary Ainu culture through photo exhibitions, oral literature performances, and traditional costume displays.
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- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 14:00
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The National Ainu Museum and Park (Upopoy), operated by the National Ainu Museum and Park Management Foundation (Sapporo City, Chuo-ku; Chairman Teruki Tsunemoto), will hold "Upopoy Festival 2026" for two days on July 11 (Saturday) and 12 (Sunday), 2026, to commemorate its 6th anniversary. This festival serves as an opportunity to express gratitude to the Ainu cultural inheritors from various regions who have provided invaluable guidance and cooperation from before its opening to the present day.
Upopoy's current progress and growth are made possible by the connections and support from people across different regions. This event will feature a photo exhibition by Hiroshi Ikeda, who has been photographing portraits of Ainu people living in Hokkaido for 18 years, as well as live performances of oral literature and performing arts by inheritors from various regions. It will also include exhibitions showcasing the stages of inherited performing arts and their journeys, and a costume display connecting inheritors who created traditional costumes with staff members who wear them on stage. Through these initiatives, visitors can experience not only the inherited Ainu culture but also the lives of "Ainu living today," fostering a space for learning and dialogue.
Event Schedule
July 11 (Saturday) - 12 (Sunday), 2026, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Featured Programs
Hiroshi Ikeda Photo Exhibition "LIFE OF AINU"
A photo exhibition by Hiroshi Ikeda, who has been continuously photographing portraits of Ainu people living in Hokkaido for 18 years.
Hiroshi Ikeda x Inheritor Talk Session
A candid talk session between Hiroshi Ikeda, the photographer, and inheritors from various regions with whom he has deepened his relationships through his photography.
[Profile of Hiroshi Ikeda]
Born in 1981 (Saga Prefecture), graduated from Osaka University of Foreign Studies. Joined studio FOBOS in 2006, received the Newcomer's Award from the Photographic Society of Japan in 2020. Has been creating works themed around the Ainu people since 2008.
Special Oral Literature Performance "Neusar An Ro"
Eight inheritors invited from various regions will perform stories from their childhood and present oral literature and performing arts.
Inherited Performing Arts - The Path Walked with Inheritors -
Panels will introduce the repertoires inherited from inheritors, along with their wishes and thoughts.
Culture to Wear ~Ainu Costumes: Runpe Edition~
A costume exhibition connecting inheritors who crafted traditional costumes with staff members who inherit and wear these costumes.
Details
Please visit the special website page.
https://ainu-upopoy.go.jp/lp/anniversary-2026/
About Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park)
Opened in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, in 2020 as a base for the revival 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 visitors can engage with Ainu culture through their five senses; and a memorial facility for realizing dignified memorial services for the Ainu people. Located on the shores of Lake Poroto, surrounded by rich nature, visitors can experience Ainu culture and history from various angles through touch, participation, 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
Location: 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902
Phone: 0144-82-3914 (General Inquiries)
Access: Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station. Approximately 40 minutes by highway or train from New Chitose Airport.
Admission Fee (Tax Included): Adults ¥1,200, High School Students ¥600, Junior High School Students and younger 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 AM - 5:00 PM
*Subject to change depending on the season.
Closed: Mondays, December 28 - January 4, 2027, and February 27 - March 8. If a Monday is a public holiday, the following weekday will be closed.
*Special opening days may apply.
Opening Date: July 12, 2020
Designated Corporation: National Ainu Museum and Park Management Foundation
Upopoy's current progress and growth are made possible by the connections and support from people across different regions. This event will feature a photo exhibition by Hiroshi Ikeda, who has been photographing portraits of Ainu people living in Hokkaido for 18 years, as well as live performances of oral literature and performing arts by inheritors from various regions. It will also include exhibitions showcasing the stages of inherited performing arts and their journeys, and a costume display connecting inheritors who created traditional costumes with staff members who wear them on stage. Through these initiatives, visitors can experience not only the inherited Ainu culture but also the lives of "Ainu living today," fostering a space for learning and dialogue.
Event Schedule
July 11 (Saturday) - 12 (Sunday), 2026, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Featured Programs
Hiroshi Ikeda Photo Exhibition "LIFE OF AINU"
A photo exhibition by Hiroshi Ikeda, who has been continuously photographing portraits of Ainu people living in Hokkaido for 18 years.
Hiroshi Ikeda x Inheritor Talk Session
A candid talk session between Hiroshi Ikeda, the photographer, and inheritors from various regions with whom he has deepened his relationships through his photography.
[Profile of Hiroshi Ikeda]
Born in 1981 (Saga Prefecture), graduated from Osaka University of Foreign Studies. Joined studio FOBOS in 2006, received the Newcomer's Award from the Photographic Society of Japan in 2020. Has been creating works themed around the Ainu people since 2008.
Special Oral Literature Performance "Neusar An Ro"
Eight inheritors invited from various regions will perform stories from their childhood and present oral literature and performing arts.
Inherited Performing Arts - The Path Walked with Inheritors -
Panels will introduce the repertoires inherited from inheritors, along with their wishes and thoughts.
Culture to Wear ~Ainu Costumes: Runpe Edition~
A costume exhibition connecting inheritors who crafted traditional costumes with staff members who inherit and wear these costumes.
Details
Please visit the special website page.
https://ainu-upopoy.go.jp/lp/anniversary-2026/
About Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park)
Opened in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, in 2020 as a base for the revival 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 visitors can engage with Ainu culture through their five senses; and a memorial facility for realizing dignified memorial services for the Ainu people. Located on the shores of Lake Poroto, surrounded by rich nature, visitors can experience Ainu culture and history from various angles through touch, participation, 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
Location: 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902
Phone: 0144-82-3914 (General Inquiries)
Access: Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station. Approximately 40 minutes by highway or train from New Chitose Airport.
Admission Fee (Tax Included): Adults ¥1,200, High School Students ¥600, Junior High School Students and younger 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 AM - 5:00 PM
*Subject to change depending on the season.
Closed: Mondays, December 28 - January 4, 2027, and February 27 - March 8. If a Monday is a public holiday, the following weekday will be closed.
*Special opening days may apply.
Opening Date: July 12, 2020
Designated Corporation: National Ainu Museum and Park Management Foundation
FAQ
What is the purpose of "Upopoy Festival 2026"?
The festival commemorates Upopoy's 6th anniversary, expresses gratitude to Ainu cultural inheritors, and provides opportunities to experience contemporary Ainu culture.
What kind of exhibitions and events will be held?
Events include a photo exhibition by Hiroshi Ikeda, oral literature and performing arts demonstrations by inheritors, and a traditional costume exhibition.
What kind of facility is Upopoy?
It is a hub for the revival and creation of Ainu culture, featuring the National Ainu Museum and an experiential field museum.
Is admission to the event free?
Admission is ¥1,200 for adults, ¥600 for high school students, and free for junior high school students and younger. Some experience programs and special exhibitions may incur separate fees.
How can I access Upopoy?
It is approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station, and about 40 minutes by car or train from New Chitose Airport.