Chironnup Kamuy Iomante

Chironnup Kamuy Iomante

  • Overview
  • Crew

Status

Released

Release Date

Apr 30, 2021

Runtime

1h 45m

Genres

Documentary

Original Title

チロンヌㇷ゚カムイ イオマンテ

Director

Minao Kitamura

Description

In 1986, for the first time in 75 years, the "Chironnup Kamuy Iomante (the sending off of the spirit of the fox)" was held at Bihoro Pass, in Hokkaido. According to the Ainu's traditional beliefs, animals are "gods" called "Kamuy" who live in the "land of gods" ("Kamuimosiri"), but sometimes they come to the "land of humans" ("Ainumosiri"), to offer their meat and furs as gifts. The Ainu take care of them, and they eventually hold an "Iomante (spirit sending)". In this ceremony, people offer prayers, sing songs, and dance, and send the animal back to the "land of the gods" with food and souvenirs.