Alone with the Hairy Ainu

This unvarnished travel journal follows a lone adventurer as he rides more than 3,800 miles across the wild landscapes of Hokkaido and the Kurile archipelago. With almost no gear beyond a pack saddle, he forgoes tents and provisions, relying on the land and the goodwill of the people he meets. His aim is not literary flourish but a clear record of the terrain, the volcano‑rimmed bays, dense forests, and the rugged rivers he navigates. Along the way he sketches the scenery and the faces of the Ainu, the island’s indigenous inhabitants, whose customs he strives to adopt.

Listeners will hear vivid portrayals of remote villages where hospitality is offered through shared meals and simple rituals, and of the Ainu’s distinctive relationship to hair, nature, and the sea. The author’s observations are presented without judgement, letting the listener glimpse everyday life, from hunting techniques to spiritual gatherings, while also feeling the strain of solitary travel. His sketches, described in the narrative, bring visual texture to the spoken words, making the journey feel both intimate and expansive.