～Preserving Ainu Traditions — The “Chip Sanke” Ceremony

Chip Sanke is an Ainu term meaning “launching a boat.” It is a traditional ceremonial ritual performed to spiritually prepare and bless a boat crafted using ancient techniques, symbolically giving it a soul before it enters the water.
This ceremony has been held every summer along the Saru River as an important cultural tradition of the Ainu people. In 2025, the event marked its 56th year, and I had the opportunity to attend the ceremony on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

We also created a short video (1 minute 24 seconds) featuring the Horippa (traditional circle dance) and the Chip Sanke ceremony.

Video: Chip Sanke Ceremony – August 24, 2025 Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZhdqcx7S9c&t=32s

Prior to the Chip Sanke ceremony, Kamuy-nomi, a traditional Ainu prayer ritual, was performed both inside and outside a cise (traditional house).
In the Ainu language, kamuy means “deity” and nomi means “to pray,” together meaning “praying to the gods.”

Traditional dances were performed by the Shiranuka Ainu Preservation Society and the Biratori Ainu Culture Preservation Society. The performances concluded with Horippa, a joyful circle dance in which many participants happily joined.

The Chip Sanke (boat-launching ceremony) took place downstream of the Nibutani Dam. It was especially memorable to see people smiling as they rode in the traditional boat, known as a “chip.”

Mapcode for the Venue:442 799 161*32