At the 26th Spring Conference of the Japan Society for International Development (JASID), field training program (excursion) will be held on Sunday, June 22, the day after the conference, at two locations in Hokkaido.

1. Purpose
   Based on the expertise and policy of this society, we believe that it is very meaningful to organize the spring conference in Sapporo and learn about the history of the development of Hokkaido on the ground. Today, the rehabilitation of the rights of indigenous peoples, environmental issues, and natural resource management are unavoidable and important themes when considering development. You, members of JASID, will get the knowledge about the characteristic history, culture, and natural environment of Hokkaido. This opportunity will inspire you to compare and apply the case studies of Hokkaido for your own research fields and target countries or regions. Thus, we hope that you will be able to face scientifically the problems of development and promote the practical project on the field.

 

Option 1. Exploring Development from the Perspective of the Sacred Lands of Hokkaido’s Indigenous Ainu People, Biratori Town – Nibutani Full-Day Course

Today, as the reversal of human rights protection and environmental issues are remarkable, the testimonies from the standpoint of indigenous peoples who have struggled against Japan's modernization and development policies are truly valuable. In the one-day course, you will first see the materials and exhibition of Ainu Culture Museum and Historical Museum of the Saru River, and learn about the history and activities of the Ainu people at Biratori. Next, you will visit the Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum, where you will hear his son’s lecture about the establishment of the museum, the restoration of the dignity of the people by Mr. Kayano, and his activities in the dam lawsuit. You will also visit the dam that was the site of the lawsuit. On the way of this excursion, you will also enjoy discovering Ainu crafts and meals. 

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025　7:30-16:00

Itinerary

• 7:30　Meet and depart from the bus terminal at the north exit of Sapporo Station
• 9:30　Arrive at Nibutani Kotan, Biratori Town
  • Visit the Ainu Culture Museum and the Sarugawa History Museum, guided tours of the exhibitions
• 10:55　Explanation of the Chise (traditional Ainu house), introduction to the Craft Center, and free time to explore the Kotan
  • Lunch (bento box provided at the Cine Chise)
• 11:30　Depart from the Cine Chise by bus
• 11:35　Visit the Shigeru Kayano Nibutani Ainu Museum
  • Lecture by Director Shirō Kayano and guided museum tour
• 12:50　Depart from the museum by bus
• 13:00　Visit and tour the Nibutani Dam
• 14:00　Depart from Biratori Town
• 15:00　Arrive at New Chitose Airport (drop-off available)
• 16:00　Arrive at Sapporo Station and disband

 

Option 2. Tracing the History of Hokkaido’s Nature, Culture, and Development: Sapporo City Half-Day Course

In the half-day course, you will see the exhibition and materials of the Hokkaido Museum. This is a new museum that opened in April 2015 by merging Historical Museum of Hokkaido, which opened in 1971, and the Hokkaido Ainu Cultural Research Center, which opened in 1994. Therefore, you can enjoy the visually most-advanced way of beautiful exhibition. Although the number is limited, please use the audio guide to listen to the explanation of the history, culture, and natural environment of Hokkaido. There will also be a lecture by curator, so please look forward to hearing him. 

If you want to visit Historical Village of Hokkaido “Kaitaku no mura” near to the museum after the event, you can dismiss the site. However, please use a public transportation for your return trip. 

 

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025　8:30-13:00

Itinerary

• 8:30 – Meet and depart from JR Sapporo Station, North Exit Charter Bus Terminal　
• 9:30 – Arrive at Hokkaido Museum
  • Introductory talk by a museum curator
  • Title: “Opening Up” Hokkaido and Ainu Encounters with Modernity
  • Lecturer: Taku Osaka, Chief Curator, Ainu Culture Research Center, Hokkaido Museum
  • Free time to explore the museum
• 12:00 – Depart from the museum (end of the excursion)
  • Optional: You may choose to stay and visit the adjacent “Historical Village of Hokkaido.” Please note that return transportation will be your own responsibility.
• 13:00 – Arrive back at Sapporo Station

 

Sapporo Station MAP: Excursion Meeting Point