Edinburgh University repatriates Ainu skulls to Japan

The University of Edinburgh has returned the skulls of three Indigenous Ainu people to their community in Japan after holding them for over a century. The remains, originally donated in 1913 by Scottish anthropologist Dr. Neil Gordon Munro, were repatriated in a formal ceremony that included a traditional Ainu ritual. Once back in Japan, the skulls will be interred at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, following Japanese government guidelines for respectful memorialization. The Ainu, who have historically been marginalized and subjected to scientific study, maintain a distinct culture and language and have advocated for the return of ancestral remains taken both domestically and abroad. Representatives from the Hokkaido Ainu Association expressed their commitment to honoring their ancestors and continuing their traditions. This repatriation reflects ongoing efforts to address the legacy of colonial-era collecting practices and to respect the dignity of Indigenous communities.