SHIRAOI, Hokkaido -- About 2,000 people flocked to the opening day of the new national center for Ainu culture in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, on Sunday.
The opening of the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park was delayed by 2-1/2 months due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The word upopoy means "singing together in a large group" in the language of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
The National Ainu Museum is the main building of the about 10-hectare complex, which also includes a traditional Ainu village called a kotan and the Cultural Exchange Hall where various events are held, such as performances of the Ainu ancient-style of dance.
"I was moved after learning that the Ainu people have a great respect for nature," said a 66-year-old visitor from Hokkaido.
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