Upopoy (National Space for Coexistence of Ainu and Non-Ainu Peoples), located in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, is opening a new large outdoor playground called "Tomtom" (トㇺトㇺ). Conceived to help children discover Ainu culture through play, Tomtom is Japan's first large playground themed around Ainu culture.
Opening Ceremony
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 10:00 AM (cancelled in case of rain)
Location: Tomtom playground area within the Upopoy grounds
Kindergarten and nursery school children from Shiraoi Town and the Mayor of Shiraoi are invited to attend the opening ceremony.
Schedule (planned):
- 9:30 AM – Children's arrival (guided to playground upon arrival)
- 9:45 AM – Gather at Tomtom
- 10:00 AM – Opening ceremony
- 10:15 AM – Photo session with Tureppon the character in front of the playground
- 10:30 AM – Children's experience using the large playground equipment
About the "Tomtom" Playground
Name: "Tomtom" (tomtom) — meaning "to shine brightly" in the Ainu language
Concept: Nature that supported Ainu livelihoods
Area Theme: Traditional living spaces — fishing in waterside communities
Feature 1: Original Composite Play Equipment Inspired by Ainu Culture
The playground features unique composite equipment with motifs drawn from Ainu cultural life:
Children's equipment inspired by a boat: The "itaomachip," used by the Ainu for fishing in the sea and large rivers, was a distinctive dugout canoe reinforced with wooden boards bound together to deflect waves. The equipment is shaped to evoke a boat cutting through the waves.
Toddler equipment inspired by salmon: Salmon was the most important fish for the Ainu — a staple food with every part used and nothing wasted — and was revered as "the divine fish." The equipment is shaped to evoke salmon swimming upstream.
Feature 2: Surrounded by Morewu, Traditional Ainu Patterns
The entire playground area is enclosed by the Morewu (spiral pattern), a traditional Ainu design. The pattern incorporates Kirau (meaning "horn" in Ainu), which is said to ward off evil — a symbol of the wish for children to play safely.
Feature 3: Inclusive Play for All Children
Pathways, gradients, and materials have been carefully considered so that all children, including wheelchair users, can play together. Playful elements are incorporated throughout the space to encourage interaction regardless of ability.
Location and Construction Overview
The playground is situated in the lawn area in front of the Experience Learning Center within the Upopoy grounds. Construction ran from September 2025 through April 2026, resulting in a total area of approximately 1,541 square meters.
| Location | Lawn area (in front of the Experience Learning Center), Upopoy |
| Total area | Approx. 1,541 m² |
| Equipment | 1 composite unit for children, 2 units for toddlers/inclusive use, rest facilities |
| Construction period | September 2025 – April 2026 |
Visitor Information
Address: 2-3 Wakakusacho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido
Access: Approx. 10 minutes on foot from JR Shiraoi Station; approx. 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport by highway or train
Admission (tax included): Adults ¥1,200 / High school students ¥600 / Middle school students and under free
Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (subject to seasonal changes)
Closed: Mondays (or following weekday if Monday falls on a holiday), December 28 – January 4, 2027, and February 27 – March 8
Official Website: https://ainu-upopoy.jp/
