The Concept of Shared Destiny in the Ainu Spiritual Belief

The Ainu are the only ethnic minority officially recognized in Japan. Ainu culture is not only a new entry point for understanding Japanese culture, but also an important medium for exploring ancient Asian civilization. This article analyzes the Ainu folk songs and legends and other oral literature and discovers: The Ainu people respect and thank the gods, and accept the gifts and punishments of the gods. However, the Ainu claim that human beings have autonomy through the belief that humans have the right to punish gods, and those humans and gods can strive for an equal two-way relationship. In addition, the Ainu emphasize the importance of coexistence between humans and other creatures in nature. It is believed that hunting and fishing are not blasphemy, but acceptances of the gifts from the gods. However, it is advocated that human beings and other creatures should give each other living space and maintain the balance of symbiosis and coexistence. The Ainu belief in relative equality with gods and coexistence with nature reflects the concept of “shared destiny” in ancient Asian civilizations. It provides an important reference for the development of modern human society.

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