Visitors or inhabitants of Hokkaido, did you see or meet the 'hairy ainu'

Question:original inhabitants of, at least, Northern Japan. I was there 55 years ago, when they seemed to be revered with a special place in the society. What can you tell me?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: original inhabitants of, at least, Northern Japan. I was there 55 years ago, when they seemed to be revered with a special place in the society. What can you tell me?

I have not specifically been on that island, I was in Kobe. My female Japanese friend tells me that it's embarassing to have Ainu blood. She is from Hokkaido.

That could be a young lady's vanity, that's all I have to go on.