Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River, which showcased the rich culture of the Ainu people, is set to travel from Japan House London to Vilnius, Lithuania. Following a successful run in London that attracted over 160,000 visitors, the exhibition will be featured at the House of Histories from February 5 to August 2, 2026.
Exhibition Overview and Cultural Significance
Curated in collaboration with the residents of Biratori, located in the Saru River basin of southern Hokkaido, the London exhibition emphasized the enduring significance of Ainu culture and the community’s relationship with their environment. It also highlighted historical connections between the UK and Biratori, providing a broader context to the Ainu’s cultural narrative.
In Lithuania, the exhibition will include elements that complement the works of noted ethnographer Bronisław Piłsudski, who made significant contributions to the understanding of the Sakhalin Ainu. This collaboration marks the 160th anniversary of Piłsudski’s birth, and the exhibition will display both his works and artifacts that represent Ainu history and culture.
Bringing Ainu Culture to New Audiences
The exhibition in Vilnius will offer a glimpse into the contemporary lives of the Ainu people, supported by video footage captured during the original exhibition in Biratori. Additionally, it will feature unique items related to Ainu tourism, including an Ainu-designed Coca-Cola bottle and carved wooden bears from the personal collection of Simon Wright, Director of Programming at Japan House London.
Wright expressed enthusiasm about the exhibition’s journey, stating, “It’s wonderful to see Ainu culture being continually celebrated and explored by cultural organizations across Europe.” He noted that Ainu Stories was a landmark exhibition for Japan House London, emphasizing the importance of sharing indigenous voices and experiences.
On the opening day, Wright will participate in a panel discussion at the National Museum of Lithuania alongside the exhibition’s curator and academics specializing in Bronisław Piłsudski. This dialogue will further enrich the exhibition experience, engaging audiences in the historical and cultural narratives of the Ainu.
The international exhibition, titled A Soul Between Worlds: Indigenous Ainu in Northern Japan and Ethnographer Bronisław Piłsudski, opens on February 5, 2026, at the House of Histories, part of the National Museum of Lithuania. For those unable to attend in person, the Japan House London exhibition can be viewed virtually, providing an opportunity to explore the Ainu culture from anywhere.
Japan House London, located on Kensington High Street, aims to provide an authentic encounter with Japan, showcasing the best in art, design, gastronomy, and innovation. As part of a global initiative, it is one of three Japan Houses, with others in Los Angeles and São Paulo, committed to deepening appreciation for Japanese culture worldwide.
