06/16/2026
📽JAA is proud to present a free screening of “Ainu: Indigenous People of Japan,” an acclaimed by Naomi Mizoguchi.🎬
Tuesday, June 30th at 6pm
JAA-NY
49 W. 45th St.
5th floor
Co-sponsored by JAA NY, , and JACL - New York Chapter.
Please join us for a special of an award-winning film followed by a Q&A with the director, Naomi Mizoguchi, moderated by Interim President George Hirose. She will also give a short presentation about Ainu clothing, crafts and music.
Please RSVP to [email protected] by 6/28 with "RSVP Ainu Film" in the subject line.
The Ainu are the indigenous people of Japan. , the northern island of Japan, was previously called Ainumosir, or land of the Ainu. After many years of persecution and erasure dating back to the Meiji era, the Ainu population is down to less than 20,000 people in Hokkaido, and Ainu traditions and language are in danger of being lost. This film, through the stories of elders, documents dedicated grass roots efforts to revive and keep culture alive.
Born in Hyogo Prefecture and having moved to NYC in 2004, winner Naomi Mizoguchi has been working in the film and television industries for over 30 years. She has directed over 100 film projects and has edited over 400 projects. As a filmmaker her personal work has focused on cultural and humanistic story-telling. Visit ainuhito.com for more information about the filmmaker.
And Save the Dates for Japan Society events on Ainu culture!
In recent years Naomi's interest in telling the story of Ainu peoples has become a mission that has expanded to bringing world wide awareness and recognition of Ainu culture and historical traditions. She has been working extensively with the town of Biratori in Hokkaido, where many Ainu still live, to bring performers, artisans, and culinary experts to New York for a series of exciting programs this July and August. Details to be announced soon!
