The Ainu language is in its own language family, and as a 'language isolate' (with no known related languages) is distinct from Japanese. In the past it has largely been passed down by word of mouth and has been central to the transmission of Ainu culture. Today, Sekine Kenji leads the children’s Ainu language classes in the Nibutani Community Centre each week. The language is learned through games, songs, written exercises and dances. Join a series of Ainu language events held at Japan House Lo