Ainu and ethnic tourism in Hokkaido: assessing the economic and sociocultural impact on the Ainu and the region

Ethnic tourism strengthens its position every year, becoming one of the fastest growing segments of the global tourism industry. Recognized as a significant tool for economic development, tourism makes a significant contribution to regional economies, stimulating job creation and raising living standards. However, by focusing on indigenous and minority cultures, ethnic tourism also has a profound impact on these communities. It not only promotes awareness and respect for cultural traditions, but also carries risks of cultural degradation and commercialization, posing serious challenges for communities to maintain their unique identities in the face of increasing external influences. The Ainu region of Hokkaido in Japan is a particularly interesting example of such influences. The Ainu, as the indigenous population of Hokkaido, are experiencing significant impacts from the development of ethnic tourism that draws attention to their unique culture and history. This paper analyzes the impact of ethnic tourism on the Ainu, the indigenous population of the Hokkaido region in Japan. The study aims to comprehensively analyze the socio-cultural impact of ethnic tourism on the Ainu people living in the Hokkaido region, as well as its impact on the economic situation of both the people and the Hokkaido region as a whole. The paper examines how tourism contributes to the preservation of Ainu cultural traditions such as language, crafts and religious practices, providing new opportunities to pass them on to the younger generation and promote them to Japanese and foreign tourists. Together with positive aspects, the analysis reveals serious problems such as the risk of commercialization and loss of authenticity of cultural practices, stereotyping of Ainu people in the perception of tourists, and unequal distribution of economic benefits derived from tourism. The study is based on the analysis of scientific publications, statistical data and reports to provide an in-depth and multifaceted approach to the problem under study. The results of the study may be useful for understanding the problems associated with ethnic tourism in the Hokkaido region, as well as for developing recommendations for optimizing the impact of ethnic tourism to minimize its negative effects on the cultural and economic environment of the Ainu people and the Hokkaido region. Keywords: indigenous peoples of Japan, Ainu, ethnic tourism, ethnic policy, indigenous peoples' rights.