Shizunai

Shizunai lies on Hokkaido's southern coast at the mouth of the Shizunai River. The Ainu settlement of Shibechari stood in its valley, where fortified sites known as chashi overlooked the river. Shakushain, a leader from Shibechari, became the central figure in a great uprising against the Matsumae domain. In 1669 he called on Ainu communities across Ezo to resist Japanese control and trading practices. Matsumae forces fought back, and Shakushain was killed at a peace feast in nearby Niikappu. The struggle ended with the domain gaining a stronger position over Ainu trade and labour.