"Ainu Nenoan Ainu": being Ainu today. A story narrated through the eyes of the photographer Laura Liverani

The Ainu are originally from Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido and Sakhalin, now part of Russia. They were officially recognized as indigenous peoples of Japan in 2008, after a history of both exclusion and assimilation that almost effaced their society, language and culture. This exhibition will show Laura Liverani reportage on Ainu called Ainu Nenoan Ainu (meaning ‘humanlike human’), a journey of exploration of native identity in contemporary Japan. The project reflects upon what it means to be an Ainu in everyday life practices. It addresses the sense of belonging within a community in the double process of both preserving and reinventing their own culture, in the aftermath of a prolonged forced Japanization. Today several individuals and groups across Japan are involved in the preservation and revitalization of Ainu culture, in recovering their own language, and reclaiming their rights. Through this process, which has never halted, the Ainu legacy continues to shape villages and communities across Japan, in Hokkaido and beyond. The idea for the Ainu Nenoan Ainu project was conceived in 2009 and was established in 2012. This is a unique opportunity where Laura Liverani herself will take us on a photographic journey of the Ainu communities today.

DETAILS

When: 27th April 2017 (Thu)  at 7:00pm
Where: Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Address: FBR Mita Bldg. 9F, 4-1-27 Mita, Minato-ku,Tokyo 108-0073 MAP
Price: ICCJ-ADI Member / AQI: 1000￥
Non-Member: 2000￥
Register HERE
Registration/Cancellation deadline: Wednesday, 26th  April, 6:00 pm
NOTE: after the deadline there can be no refunds on cancellations. No show-up will be charged.

For more information promo@iccj.or.jp

Laura Liverani is a documentary photographer and university lecturer based between East Asia and Europe. She holds an MA in Arts and Media at the University of Bologna and in Photographic Studies at the University of Westminster, London. Laura works internationally on independent projects and a variety of commissions, ranging from editorial to commercial assignments. Her work is featured in magazines, books, catalogues and exhibitions worldwide.