Book Review: The Fabric of Indigeneity: Ainu Identity, Gender, and Settler Colonialism in Japan by Ann-Elise Lewallen

This review examines Ann-Elise Lewallen’s The Fabric of Indigeneity, which highlights the resilience of Ainu women in reclaiming their ancestral culture amidst Japanese colonization. The book explores how Ainu women employ cultural protocols and traditional practices to resist colonization, revive Ainu identity, and train younger generations as cultural carriers. The review situates Lewallen’s work within the historical context of Japanese settler colonialism and discusses the significance of the Ainu cultural revival movement. It also addresses the genetic distinctions among Ainu, Okinawans, and Japanese peoples, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Indigenous peoples in Japan. The review underscores the vital role of gender and cultural restoration in sustaining Ainu heritage, offering insights into the ongoing struggles and resilience of Indigenous communities facing colonial pressures.