Referring to a series of 12 portraits painted by samurai artist Kakizaki Hakyo in 1790, the Ishuretsuzo depict the Ainu chieftains of Ezo (Hokkaido), clothed in vivid, elaborately decorated traditional dress. These pieces, 11 of which are usually stored at a museum in Besançon, France, form the core of this rare exhibition detailing the culture, history and folk traditions of Japan's northernmost island. After a display at Sapporo's Hokkaido Museum, the exhibit now comes to Chiba's National Museum of Japanese History for winter. Don't miss this chance to learn more about the long, colourful and troubled history of northern Japan's original inhabitants.
Please note that the museum will be closed for New Year's between December 27 and January 4.