Journeys in Japan S2013E21 - The Rhythms of Ainu Life: Lake Akan

The indigenous Ainu lives in Hokkaido, Japan's most northern main island. Our reporter, Shakuhachi player John Kaizan Neptune, visits the shores of Lake Akan to experience Ainu culture, including its music. He meets a master wood carver of forest animals and learns from him about Ainu life in olden times. He also discovers the musical instrument called the Mukkuri. From its evocative sounds he gets a sense of the Ainu's worship of nature.