Kamikawa Ainu in Coexistence with Kamuy

The Kamuynomi, or Kamuy-nomi (gods – pray to), is a traditional Ainu ritual performed to offer prayers to the gods. To pray for safe travel and wellbeing, Ainu people in Kamikawa have performed this ritual for the gods and goddesses in the region, including those of fire, mountains, rivers, kotan (villages) and happiness. After the ritual, they offer sacred shaved sticks known as inaw, which they use in the ritual, to the Ishikari River. The Kamuynomi is performed at the Kotan Festival held in Kamuy Kotan on September 23 (Autumnal Equinox Day) every year.