I confess that I did not realise that the Ainu were not officially recognised for being what they undoubtedly are!

I agree with Marsman; this is recognition that is long overdue.

I am also interested in these peoples for another reason. Is it possible that there are genetic or cultural connections between the Ainu and Amerindians from the Pacific Northwest of Canada and the USA?

My son has recently become engaged to a young lady who has very strong Northwestern Aboriginal roots (We like to keep adding to the gene pool...!). A few months ago I showed her a few photographs of Ainu and asked her as to which Nation she thought they were from, and where the photographs might have been taken.

After guessing various Haida and Tlingit people, "somewhere on Vancouver Island" etc. etc. - she was quite amazed when I told her they were inhabitants of Hokkaido! She's still scratching her head.

... just food for thought ...

ジョン