Ainu Food Culture in Hokkaido
The Ainu way of life-our life is closely tied to the changing seasons. In spring, we gather wild
vegetables and plant grain seeds in their small fields. During summer, we catch fish in the rivers, and in
the fall, we harvest grains such as Japanese millet, foxtail millet, and barnyard millet We regularly give
thanks to the kamuy of the mountains and fields for our abundant harvests and celebrate our good
fortune.
To survive the harsh winter cold in Hokkaido, we dry wild vegetables in the sun during the warmer months.
We also preserve fish and meat by smoking them in their home hearths. In winter, when the leaves fall and
snow blankets the ground, it becomes easier to track animal footprints, making it an ideal time for
hunting. When the hunter returns home, the wife welcomes him with a generous meal.
北海道のアイヌ食文化
アイヌの暮らしは歳時と共にあります。春には山菜を採り、丘では穀物の種を捲いて、夏は川での漁撈を中心に、秋は収穫の季節、イナキビやヒエ・アワといった穀物を採る時にも、山や畑のカムイへ豊かな実りへの感謝を捧げ、収穫を喜びます。北海道の厳しい冬の寒さに備えるために、温かな陽の光の下で山菜は天日干しされたり、また、魚や肉は囲炉裏で煙で燻しして保存されます。木の葉の落ちる冬は、格好の狩りの季節。狩人である夫の帰りを、妻は贅を凝らした料理で出迎えます。
The Ainu and Kamuy
Hunting and ritual have a very important relationship. It is not an exaggeration to say that hunting begins and ends with ritual. In the Saru River basin, bears are considered the highest among the kamuy (spirits), while deer, salmon, landlocked salmon, sea urchins, small animals like rabbits, and birds such as pheasants and jays have been hunted for centuries. The ceremony is carried out with the utmost respect and hospitality towards the kamuy, who appear before the hunter in the form of animals with pure hearts.
アイヌの精神文化
狩猟は儀礼にはじまり、儀礼に終わります。神であり、自然であり、動物でもあるカムイへの、その恵みを頂く感謝の気持ちを祈り（イノミ）に込めて、頂いたその生命を余すところなく頂戴します。沙流川流域では熊を最高位の神として、鹿や鮭、山女魚やウグイ等の小魚、古くからウサギなどの小動物や雉、カケスなどの鳥類を狩猟しています。動物の身体を借りて、心の清らかな狩人の前へ現れてくれたカムイの、魂をそれぞれの国へ送る儀礼は、精一杯のもてなしを尽くして行われます。
Our Ainu Food Culture and Gastronomy
Biratori Town, with a population of about 4,000, is a peaceful place where agriculture, particularly
Biratori tomatoes, and cattle raising, including Biratori Wagyu beef and Kurobuta pigs, thrive. In the
Nibutani area, traditional crafts, dances, and ceremonies that embody the rich heritage of Ainu culture
continue to be passed down through generations. An essential part of this lifestyle is the traditional
food culture.
The food culture of the Ainu people, who live in harmony with nature, reflects their diverse kamuy and
their deep reverence and appreciation for plants and animals. We invite you to join us on a journey to
explore and appreciate the richness of their culture.
私たちの食文化ガストロノミー
平取町は、人口4,000人あまりの農業（びらとりトマト）と牧畜（平取和牛・黒豚）が盛んな、のどかな街です。中でも、二風谷地区では、古き良きアイヌ伝統文化を形作る「伝統工芸」「伝統舞踊」「伝統儀礼」、それらの暮らしに彩を添える「伝統食文化」が花開いています。
今もなお自然と共に生きるアイヌ文化と、食文化の主役となる多様で豊かな動植物の暮らしを育んでいます。私たちと共に、その奥深さを堪能する旅をお楽しみください。
