In conjunction with the 2020 Native Spirit Festival, a film festival which celebrates indigenous cultures, Japan House London presented a panel discussion on the making of the film ‘Ainu – Indigenous People of Japan’ by director Mizoguchi Naomi.

The panel discussion, chaired by Japan House London Director of Programming Simon Wright, presented contributions from Mizoguchi Naomi (filmmaker), Dr Stephanie Pratt (Cultural Advisor for 14th Native Spirit Festival) and members of the Ainu community, including Sekine Kenji (Ainu/Japanese translator for the film), Sekine Maki (artisan and mukkur player for the film) and their daughter Sekine Maya, who is active in promoting Ainu language and culture using digital platforms.