Synopsis

The Ainu are an indigenous ethnic group mostly based in Hokkaido, Japan. However, many young Ainu don’t know anything about their culture’s traditions due to their near-total assimilation into Japanese society that was forced upon them by the government. Hokkaido native Fukunaga Takeshi tells a moving and enlightening story about a boy caught in the never-ending battle between modernity and traditions. Still reeling from the loss of his father a year prior, 14-year-old Kanto is taught about the ways of his Ainu ancestors by a family friend. In the process, Kanto must choose between being loyal to his people’s traditions without reservation, or staying true to his own values.