I took this shot of Asamayama volcanic complex in central Honshu Japan while leading an international Japan photography tour group. The volcano is the most active on Honshu. Smoke/steam from the volcanic vent resembles a bear. Among all animals, the brown bear is the most revered deity by the Ainu as the god of mountains. The Ainu are the indigenous peoples of Japan, "Ainu" means "human" in the original Ainu language. Today, it is estimated that less than 70 speakers of the language remain, there is only a handful that can speak the language fluently. The only Ainu speakers live in Japan and are concentrated primarily on the Southern and Eastern coasts of the Island of Hokkaido.
On JUN 7, 2008 The Ainu celebrated a historic moment as they were recognized as the indigenous people of Japan. The resolution states "the government will recognize that the Ainu are the nations first peoples/Indigenous people who have their own language, religion and culture." The Ainu people have a deep reverence for nature and the belief that gods exist in all things. They believe that each entity comes from its own world and returns thereafter accomplishing a task. The Ainu are a spiritual people and give thanks to the gods at every opportunity; they believe that the god of fire resides in every home's hearth and watches over each family.
Annually I lead several Hokkaido Japan photo tour groups; participants enjoy stopping in and visiting with my Ainu friends to experience their human and spiritual culture.