Mukkuri Myth: The Soulful Sound of Ainu Culture
When one imagines the soundscape of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost frontier, it is not the bustle of Sapporo that comes to mind for the culturally curious. Instead, it is a rhythmic, vibrating twang that echoes through the birch forests—a sound that mimics the wind, the cry of animals, and the heartbeat of the earth. This is the sound of the Mukkuri, a traditional instrument of the Ainu people.
While the Mukkuri is a physical object, the folklore surrounding it—the “Mukkuri Myth”—transcends simple musicality. It is a tool of storytelling, a bridge to the spiritual world of the Kamuy (gods/spirits), and a symbol of indigenous identity that has survived centuries of suppression to find a vibrant modern resurgence.
Origins of the Bamboo Harp
The Mukkuri is a type of jaw harp (or Jew’s harp), a class of instruments found in various forms across the globe, from Europe to Southeast Asia. However, the Ainu Mukkuri is distinct in its construction and mechanics. Unlike the metal jaw harps found in the West, the traditional Mukkuri is crafted from bamboo (sasa).
Measuring roughly 10 to 15 centimeters long, the instrument is simple in appearance but complex in execution. A thin reed is carved into the center of a flat bamboo piece, with a string attached to both ends. The player places the instrument against their mouth—using the oral cavity as a resonance chamber—and pulls the string to vibrate the reed. By altering the shape of their mouth and the strength of their breath, the player creates a diverse range of overtones.
Historically, the Mukkuri was not used for melodic songs in the Western sense. Instead, it was an instrument of women and children, used to create soundscapes that reflected the natural environment. It dates back centuries, though exact dating is difficult due to the biodegradable nature of bamboo.
The Legend: Whispers of the Kamuy
To understand the “Mukkuri Myth,” one must understand the Ainu worldview. In Ainu belief, spirits, or Kamuy, reside in everything—animals, plants, fire, water, and wind. The Mukkuri is not merely an instrument; it is a translator.
The Voice of Nature
Legends suggest that the Mukkuri was created to allow humans to speak the language of nature. A skilled player does not play a “tune”; they play a narrative. Common traditional performances include:
- The Sound of the Bear: A low, rhythmic throbbing that mimics the growling or walking of the brown bear (Kim-un Kamuy), the most revered deity in Ainu culture.
- The Crying Woman: High-pitched, wavering tones that simulate the sound of sobbing or the whistling of the wind through winter pines.
- The Running Stream: Rapid vibrations that evoke water rushing over stones.
In Ainu folklore, the sound of the Mukkuri was also believed to have protective qualities. The vibrations were thought to ward off evil entities or bad luck. While the men chanted the epic oral histories known as Yukar, women would use the Mukkuri to provide an atmospheric backdrop, grounding the stories in the physical sounds of the land.
Modern Culture and Revival
For a long time, the sounds of the Mukkuri were fading. Following the Meiji Restoration and forced assimilation policies, Ainu culture was suppressed, and the Mukkuri became a relic rather than a living practice. However, the late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a powerful cultural renaissance.
The Golden Kamuy Effect
Pop culture has played a surprising role in the Mukkuri’s modern mythos. The hit manga and anime series Golden Kamuy introduced millions of global fans to Ainu culture with a respectful and detailed depiction of daily life, including the playing of the Mukkuri. This sparked a surge of interest among younger generations, transforming the instrument from a museum artifact into a sought-after cultural souvenir.
Today, the Mukkuri is a symbol of Ainu resilience. It is featured prominently in festivals (like the Marimo Festival at Lake Akan) and is used by contemporary musicians who blend traditional Ainu sounds with rock, electronic, and dub music, creating a “New Mukkuri Myth” for the digital age.
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Mukkuri
If you are planning a trip to Hokkaido, experiencing the Mukkuri firsthand is a must. It is a hauntingly beautiful experience that connects you instantly to the island’s indigenous history.
- Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park): Located in Shiraoi, this is the premier destination for Ainu culture. They offer hourly performances where you can hear the Mukkuri played by masters. They also host workshops where you can carve your own bamboo Mukkuri and learn the basic techniques.
- Lake Akan Ainu Kotan: This inhabited village offers a more intimate setting. You can visit theater performances combining Mukkuri, traditional dance, and digital art.
- Buying a Mukkuri: You can purchase them at souvenir shops in Hokkaido for a modest price (usually around 1,000 JPY). However, be warned: playing it is much harder than it looks! It requires coordination of breath, tension, and mouth shape.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the context surrounding the Mukkuri and Japanese mythology:
- Upopoy (National Ainu Museum) – Official archives on Ainu oral traditions and instruments.
- The Ainu Association of Hokkaido – Resources on modern preservation efforts.
- Kayano Shigeru’s Our Land Was a Forest – A seminal memoir detailing Ainu daily life and tools.
- Note on Historical Texts: While the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki serve as the primary texts for mainland Japanese Shinto mythology, they do not cover Ainu folklore. Ainu history is preserved orally through Yukar (epics). To understand the contrast between Yamato and Ainu myths, comparative anthropological texts are recommended.