[Upopoy] Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido | Matsuura Takeshiro in Upopoy 2026

Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park), operated by the Foundation for Ainu Culture (Sapporo City Chuo Ward, Chairman Teruki Tsunemoto), will co-host "Matsuura Takeshiro in Upopoy 2026" on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, 2026, with Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, and Betsukai Town, Hokkaido.

This event, held annually since 2021 to introduce Matsuura Takeshiro, credited as the namer of "Hokkaido," to a wider audience, marks its sixth year. In addition to exhibitions and mini-lectures that highlight Takeshiro's achievements and his connection to Ainu culture, as well as the ever-popular Ainu pattern embroidery experience, specialty products from Matsusaka City will also be introduced. It will be a two-day event where participants can learn, see, and experience the connection between Ainu culture and Matsuura Takeshiro.

Date:

Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, 2026

Event Overview:

Location: Upopoy Entrance Building

Participation Fee: Free

▼ Explore Matsuura Takeshiro's six expeditions to Hokkaido, the namesake of Hokkaido!

Panel exhibits will introduce Matsuura Takeshiro's Hokkaido expeditions and his interactions with the Ainu people, as well as the achievements of the merchant Kaga Denzo, who served as an Ainu language interpreter.

▼ Discover the hidden stories of interaction between the Ainu people and Matsuura Takeshiro and Kaga Denzo!

Two mini-lectures will be held.

1 Introduction to the interactions between Matsuura Takeshiro and the Ainu people, and Takeshiro's hometown, Matsusaka.

(Lecturer) Mr. Osamu Yamamoto, Director of the Matsuura Takeshiro Memorial Museum

2 Introduction to the achievements of Kaga Denzo, a merchant who stayed close to the Ainu people on the Notsuke Peninsula in Hokkaido.

(Lecturer) Mr. Kazuhito Ishiwatari, Director of the Betsukai Town Local History Museum

▼ Matsusaka Momen x Ainu Patterns!

You can experience embroidering Ainu patterns onto coasters made of "Matsusaka Momen," a specialty product of Matsusaka.

(Instruction) Shiraoi Ainu Association General Incorporated Association

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, Hokkaido's first national museum; the National Ainu Park, an experiential field museum where you can feel Ainu culture with all five senses; and a memorial facility for dignified memorial services by the Ainu people. Located on the shores of Lake Poroto, surrounded by rich nature, you can experience Ainu culture and history from various angles, including touching and experiencing.

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, Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido 059-0902

Phone: 0144-82-3914 (Main)

Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Shiraoi Station. Approximately 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport by highway or train.

Admission Fee (tax included): General Adult ¥1,200, General High School Student ¥600, Junior High School Students and younger free

*Group rates apply for 20 or more people* *Does not include fees for paid experience programs or special museum exhibitions*

Opening Hours: 9:00 - 18:00

*Subject to change depending on the season*

Closing Days: Mondays and December 28 - January 4, 2027, February 27 - March 8. If Monday is a public holiday, the following weekday will be closed.

*Special opening days may apply*

Opening Date: July 12, 2020

Designated Corporation: Foundation for Ainu Culture