山中峯太郎『民族』論 - アイヌ表象を中心に -

Abstract

Yamanaka Minetaro’s “Minzoku” can be broadly divided into two depending on its contents. The first part is the part where the Japanese invasion process and resistance to it were drawn, centered on Sinetkuru and Sibichara. The second part is the part where Iboshi’s Ainu race fate and suffering and setback on revival were portrayed. Previous studies so far have mainly analyzed the second part. And they also criticize the writer for taking the responsibility of destroying the Ainu people or Asian nations to the victim, not the vicious invaders. However, according to the analysis of this article, the work depicts the image of ‘Nodarappu’, which has betrayed its own people and has become a subordinate to the Japanese, yet still hides the enemies of the Japanese inside. It also depicts ‘Sibichara’, who is trying to preserve the traditional lifestyle of Ainu society. In addition, it depicts a ‘Sinetkuru,’ who united the Ainu race and resisted the aggression as a son of a leader. There are also depictions of the villainous Japanese who are deceived and use the Ainu people suffering from them. Therefore, while this work has the characteristics of the literature for national policy, there is also the author’s understanding of the inner conflict and agony of the Ainu people on the other side.