The Ainu: Tracing the Ancient Roots of Japan's Indigenous People

The origins of the Ainu remain a subject of debate among historians and anthropologists. It is believed that they are descendants of the Jomon people, who inhabited the Japanese archipelago over 10,000 years ago. The Ainu developed distinct physical characteristics, including a generally darker complexion, and their language, Ainu, is considered a language isolate, with no known connection to other language families.