Various traditional dances born from the Ainu’s reverence for nature, the gods, and their way of life, preserved and passed down in distinct forms across different regions.

These songs and dances, born in close connection with the daily life and culture of the Ainu people, are performed with respect and gratitude toward the kamuy (deities) and ancestors.

There are various types, such as ritual dances with ceremonial significance like the Sword Dance and Bow Dance; imitation dances that mimic birds, animals, and natural elements, such as the Crane Dance and Grasshopper Dance; and entertainment dances that incorporate playful elements, such as the Stick Dance and Horse-Chasing Dance.

The specific performances passed down differ by region and kotan (settlement), and today, 18 groups across Hokkaido are recognized as holders of the nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, Ainu Traditional Dance. These groups are devoted to training new practitioners and preserving the tradition.

The footage was filmed with the cooperation of the Biratori Ainu Culture Preservation Society, and features two dances: Kurimuse (Bow Dance), which is often introduced today as a representative dance for men; and Annahore (Bird Dance), a well-known dance passed down in the Biratori area of Hokkaido.

Kurimuse is a ritual dance inspired by the story of a hunter who aimed to shoot a bird but was so moved by its beauty that he could not bring himself to do so. Annahore is a dynamic dance full of rhythmic energy that portrays birds fluttering through the sky, and is strongly representative of imitation dances.