1946 - February 24, Japan: the Hokkaido Ainu Association (Hokkaido Ainu Kyōkai) is founded

Despite generations of intense discrimination and oppression, the Ainu of Hokkaido form their own political association. This association sets out to “improve the social status of Ainu people and to develop, transmit and preserve Ainu culture in order to establish the dignity of the Ainu people”.

Image source: Minority Rights Group International