To the origins of the originality of the Ainu culture. Review of the collective monograph “New Sources on the History and Culture of the Ainu”

Abstract

The article is a review of the collective monograph New Sources on the History and Culture of the Ainu. In the chapters of the monograph, Russian scholars, based on the analysis of material and written sources in Russian and foreign languages, consider various aspects of the history of the Ainu, their culture, and ethnic traditions. The measures taken by the Japanese government to establish sea communication between Edo and the lands of the Ainu are analyzed. The review notes the significant contribution made by each of the authors to the study of the Ainu culture and traditions.

Keywords

• ainu
• ainu culture
• written sources
• ainu language dictionaries
• cabotage
• japan and russia