Kayano Shigeru, Kayano Shigeru

In this book, the author describes the personal conflicts he faced as a result of the tensions between a traditional and a modern society and his lifelong efforts to fortify a living Ainu culture, which revolved around bear hunting, fishing, farming, and woodcutting.

Foreword -- Translators' Note -- Our Nibutani Valley -- The Four Seasons in the Ainu Community -- My Grandfather, a Slave to the Shamo -- Following Forced Evacuation -- A Long Absence from School -- My Father's Arrest -- An Adolescence Away from Home -- Realizing My Dream of Becoming a Foreman -- Lucky Is the One Who Dies First -- The Teachings of Chiri Mashiho -- Making the Acquaintance of Kindaichi Kyosuke -- Building the Museum of Ainu Cultural Resources -- As a Member of the Ainu People -- Epilogue