The University of Arizona Press
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m., MST
Where: Tumamoc Hill Boathouse, 1675 W Anklam Rd, Tucson
How does the Ainu experience in Hokkaido, Japan relate to other Indigenous people in the context of global colonialism? earlier anthropology work with Indigenous communities in the United States allows him to answer this question. He will talk about his new book, Indigenizing Japan: Ainu Past, Present, and Future, which investigates the rich history and cultural resilience of the Ainu, tracing their journey from ancient times to their contemporary struggles for recognition. As a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Watkins’ interests concern the ethical practice of anthropology and anthropology’s relationships with descendant communities and populations on a global scale.
This talk will be held at the boathouse, at the base of Tumamoc Hill. The event is presented by Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill, The University of Arizona Press, and The Southwest Center, and is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase, and the author will be available for signing following the talk. Reserve your spot here (not required but helps us know how many people to expect).
About the book:
In Indigenizing Japan, archaeologist Joe E. Watkins provides a comprehensive look at the rich history and cultural resilience of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of Hokkaido, Japan, tracing their journey from ancient times to their contemporary struggles for recognition. Watkins’s insightful analysis highlights the Ainu’s enduring spirit and their resurgence as part of the global Indigenous movement. Key events such as the 1997 Nibutani Dam case and the 2007 recognition of the Ainu as Japan’s Indigenous people are explored in depth, showcasing the Ainu’s ongoing fight for cultural preservation and self-determination.
