IntroThe word Ainu means human being in the Ainu language. Over the past 120 years, the traditions of the Ainu people have changed over time. Nevertheless, the culture was carefully passed down to the younger generation by their grandparents. It is estimated that there are between 50,000 and 100,000 Ainu living in Japan. The Ainu culture originates from the northern island of Japan called Hokkaido. Currently, everything about the Ainu people is the same as about all other Japanese. Ainu folklore is divided into several categories of epics that last several days and extend from sunset to dawn. Another type of folklore is uway picara, unlike other epics, they do not have melodies; it contains many different stories with complicated plots. Nowadays, the Ainu no longer wear traditional clothing as everyday clothing. The fabric of this traditional costume is woven with thread made from tree bark. Until the recent past, formal and informal clothing was made from the bark of certain kinds of Japanese elm and basswood. Fabrics made from tree bark were embroidered with unique designs made with pieces of fabric and cotton thread. Food and Livelihood StrategiesObtaining a secure supply of food is one of the most important elements of life. Acquiring food and preparing it evolves over time, but the centuries-old art of preparing a healthy diet from natural ingredients is still used today. After wild vegetables are harvested, those not immediately consumed are dried and stored. It is important to provide enough food, as summers are short and winters are long in Hokkaido. The Ainu made it a rule not to gather more than necessary, and what was collected all in the middle of paper......that is why they showed respect by offering prayers to the gods. Humans worship gods and, in return, the gods watch over the human world. Praying to the gods is called kamwi Nowi in the Ainu language. Kamwi Nomi is used to ask for favors in future events, to give thanks for past blessings, and to pray for other purposes. To offer prayers, wooden prayer sticks or niwow are placed on the altar, and sacred sake is offered to the prayer sticks. He is said to convey prayers to the gods. Ainu folklore is divided into several categories of epics that last several days and extend from sunset to dawn. Another type of folklore is uway picara, unlike other epics, they do not have melodies; it contains many different stories with complicated plots. Works Cited Batchelor, John. “Marriage and Divorce.” Ainujin Oyobi Sono Setsuwa. Tokyo: Kyōbunkan, 1901. N. pag. Print.