Hokkaido

Four trains tomorrow but did you enjoy today? I had realised that because of its position, Hokkaido must have once been part of the land mass that included Asia and Russia. So guess what…..they have found the bones of mammoths and ancient elephants.

You worked it out, we are at the Hokkaido Museum. This has displays of  the changes in land mass, climate and human relationship with these. They have been able to discover the types of animals, links to the mainland and how people lived. The Ainu were the first to occupy the island. Their traditions and customs were passed down through storytelling. They lived by fishing hunting and agriculture.

Mainland Japanese gradually occupied the lower parts of the island. They traded with the Ainu and both groups coexisted. This changed during the later times as more mainland Japanese moved onto the island. These were more technologically advanced than the Ainu.

754CCD30-0258-45E8-8C5D-78C7C7B18A99The Ainu were forced from their trading role to working for the more dominant Japanese clans. During the 1700, Japan became more concerned about the island being invaded and declared it to being a Japanese territory. More settlement occurred despite the objections of the Ainu. Nowadays, the Ainu have integrated into Japanese society but are trying to keep their customs alive through education of their children. Some are still involved in agriculture and fishing.

Technology has advanced rapidly during the 19th and 20th centuries, but check these out…..especially the shoes. The clothes and shoes indicate the wealth and/or cultural backgrounds of the travellers on the train.

Ps. The Ainu had a great connection with the animals in the areas. Bears were one of their totem animals.There are still bears on the island but here is one that used to be in the bear park. It gives you some idea of its size.