Ainu revolt on the Kunashir island (Kuril islands) and Menasi (north-eastern Ezo – Hokkaido) in 1789

The article analyzes the causes and course of the revolt of small Ainu population against the strengthening of Japanese colonization in the Southern Kurils (Kunashir Island) and North-East of Hokkaido in 1789. The Japanese traders and fishing industry supported by the state mercilessly exploited the native people and the natural resources of the island, undermining the conditions for the existence of hunters, gatherers and fishermen. It should be noted that the tragic fate of the Ainu people was also affected by the invasive Russian policy in the Far East which hastened the violent conquest of the Ainu people by Japan.