This library comprises sounds from essential Ainu instruments and there religious songs which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Hokkaido, the northern part of Japan is the settlement of the Ainu people.  Opinion is divided on the time they settled and the details remain a mystery to this day.

The natural sounds produced in Hokkaido are rich, warm, and delicate, but they can evoke power and strength when combined. This new library contains the beautiful music and voices of Ms. Umeko Ando, an acclaimed Mukkuri (Jews harp) player among Ainu musicians. It consists of her slow and meditative Upopo (songs), plus the evocative sounds of the Ainu traditional stringed instrument Tonkori.

Ainu means “human” in the Ainu language.

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