U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty visited a museum and other sites in Abashiri City and fostered better understanding of its culture and history.

Ambassador Hagerty toured the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples and other places in Abashiri with his wife and four children. He reportedly showed an especially strong interest in Ainu patterns.

“We have great familiarity with the ancient Ainu people from seeing this exhibit today,” he said. 

He also said he hopes the visit will help him foster a better understanding of Hokkaido’s culture and history.