Marewrew

Marewrew is a group of four women working on diffusion and renewal of the ancient “Upopo” songs of the Ainu people.
Originally based in Northern Japan (Hokkaido island), Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, the Ainu have been oppressed in both Japan and Russia, and their cultural characteristics (language, art, shamanism) are facing a complex and dangerous situation.
Singing has an important role in Ainu culture, accompanying the religious or social ceremonies and everyday’s life, for the long evenings of the cold winter to children’s lullabies. The most representative songs are called “Upopo”, constructed with many rhythmical patterns sung in canon (“Ukouk”) leading to a natural transe.
Marewrew members – living in Asahikawa (Hokkaido) – are strongly involved in the defense of their culture (animating radio programs in Ainu language, directing the Ainu Culture Center of Asahikawa, etc…), crossing the Ainu lands, gathering the musical memories.
With the support of the tonkori player OKI, Marewrew has performed in Australia, Germany, America or Taiwan. The festival “1 million people upopo chorus” they have organized in Japan in February 2011 with the support of the singer “UA” has largely gathered interest in Japan and gave them recognition as a leading actor in Ainu cultural renewal.
Marewrew means “butterfly” in Ainu language.