The Ainu celebrated a historic moment Friday as the Diet unanimously passed a resolution that recognizes them as indigenous people of Japan.
The unprecedented resolution was adopted by both chambers, acknowledging the Ainu¡¯s hardships from discrimination and poverty.
¡°This is a historical event for us because the past injustices were finally put to an end,¡± said Tadashi Kato, chairman of the Ainu Association of Hokkaido, who came to Tokyo to hear the Diet resolution from the gallery. ¡°I am so thankful that the light has shone on us,¡± he said, his voice full of emotion.
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