Historic Action: University Returns Ainu Remains After 110 Years

In a significant move towards reconciliation and cultural restoration, the University of Edinburgh has returned the remains of three Indigenous Ainu individuals to their community in Japan. This act marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to address historical injustices faced by the Ainu people. #asiadailynews.org #university_retums_ainu_remains_after_century

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The Ainu People: An Overview

The Ainu are an Indigenous ethnic group primarily residing in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Historically, they maintained distinct cultural practices, language, and spiritual beliefs, living in self-governing villages across northern Japan. Over time, the Ainu faced marginalization and forced assimilation policies, leading to the erosion of their cultural heritage and language.

The Repatriation Ceremony

On April 30, 2025, a formal ceremony was held at the University of Edinburgh’s Anatomical Museum, where the Ainu Association of Hokkaido received the ancestral remains. Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, and Mr. Okawa Masaru, Executive Director of the Ainu Association, participated in the handover. Before the formal transfer, members of the Ainu community conducted a traditional ceremony, reflecting the deep cultural significance of the event. 

Historical Context of the Remains

The remains were donated to the University in 1913 by Dr. Neil Gordon Munro, a Scottish-born physician and anthropologist who had lived in Japan and worked closely with the Ainu community. Dr. Munro's contributions to Ainu culture included providing medical services and documenting aspects of their way of life. However, the collection of human remains for research purposes during that era reflects a broader pattern of exploitation and disregard for Indigenous rights.

Significance of the Return

The repatriation of these remains is not merely a ceremonial act but a profound acknowledgment of past wrongs and a step towards healing. For the Ainu community, the return signifies the restoration of dignity and respect for their ancestors. Mr. Okawa expressed deep emotion during the ceremony, stating, "My heart is filled with emotions... We will take the remains home and pray for them before the gods." 

The Role of the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park

Upon their return to Japan, the remains will be interred at the Memorial Site within the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. Upopoy, which means "singing together" in the Ainu language, serves as a national center for the promotion of Ainu culture and heritage. The museum's establishment aligns with Japan's recognition of the Ainu as an Indigenous people and their commitment to preserving and revitalizing Ainu traditions.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Efforts

This repatriation is part of a larger movement to return Indigenous remains and artifacts to their rightful communities. It follows similar actions, such as the return of Ainu remains from Germany in 2017 and from Australia in 2023. These efforts are crucial in addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples worldwide.

The University of Edinburgh has expressed its commitment to examining its colonial past and the impact of its historical collections. Professor Tom Gillingwater, Ch