Indigenous entrepreneurs: Ainu museums

Studies show that Ainu Indigenous Entrepreneurs have reinvented the production and display of Ainu cultural traditions as tourist attractions (Hiwasaki, 2000; Cheung, 2005). This paper reports on a longitudinal study of the efforts by Ainu Indigenous Entrepreneurs from 1988-2007. Contrary to expectations, commercialization of symbols of Ainu traditions has not led to the loss of Ainu culture and identity. Instead, enterprising business activities serve to promote interest in and knowledge of the traditional language and culture. At the same time Indigenous Entrepreneurship appears to be instrumental in instilling a sense of pride and dignity in the Ainu people.