Japanese translation requested

[shizuku_san]

I'm browsing the website for the Japanese ご当地フォルムカード (regional shaped cards). For the most part I'm able to understand the descriptions of each card, but on this one I'm having trouble since a lot of the words are not in my dictionary. Can anyone take a stab at translating this? You can see the image of the card here: Read more... )

Comments

[tronella]

Something like this, I think:

Bear woodcarving (Hokkaido)

Originates from Swiss-made bear woodcarvings purchased by Tokugawa Yoshichika, who built the Tokugawa farm in Dounan/Yakumo, during his trip to Europe in 1921. He promoted them as a sideline and they became a huge fad in Hokkaido. Master hunter Matsui Umetarou made the "bear with salmon" which was very popular around the year Showa 40 (1965).

[rirakuma]

I agree apart from the last part, 昭和４０年代 means the 'Showa 40s' so it was very popular around 1965-1974.

[tronella]

I see! Thanks for the correction :)

[shizuku_san]

Thank you!

[shizuku_san]

I tried to find additional information on this in English, and all the sources I'm finding suggest that bear woodcarving originated from the Ainu, who made carvings for religious worship, then turned to selling the carvings in order to survive once Japan took over Hokkaido and banned hunting and fishing, thereby removing the entire Ainu way of life. (I think Umetaro Matsui was Ainu, but I'm having trouble confirming that, and I am totally at a loss as to the Swiss connection.)

Is this little description from Posta Collect, then, the Japanese version of white-washing? Anybody have an opinion, or additional light to shed on the subject?

[rirakuma]

According to these articles, both seem to be true ajw(.)asahi(.)com/article/cool_japan/culture/AJ201303220067

www(.)oldphotosjapan(.)com/photos/648/ainu-carving-wood#(.)UhXUatL2bh4

[shizuku_san]

Cool! Thank you!