AHC: Maximize Power of an Ainu State

Winnabago

Banned
With a POD after 1000 AD, maximize the population, economic prowess, and world influence of a majority-Ainu, Ainu-ruled state.
 
Have the Emishi defeat the Japanese on Tohoku.

That would have to be before the specified period(after 1000 AD). My understanding is the Emishi in Tohoku were defeated by 900-950 AD. I recall a rebellion in the area during the 11th century, but, again, as I understand it, it was led by a partially assimilated, mixed(Emishi-Japanese)-blood guy.
 
The Ainu are at a severe geographic disadvantage (climate and the like), so it's almost impossible to make it so they match the population and economy of Japan or become the dominant culture in the Japanese archipelago. Even if things go really well for them, they'll likely be subordinate to the Japanese and/or Russians for at least some of their history.

But I can definitely see an independent Ainu state in Hokkaido emerging. You still need a somewhat pre-modern POD, since the island hasn't been majority Ainu since the Meiji era colonization. And they might have to gain their independence from Japan after an occupation era, like with Korea.

Also, when thinking about this question, it's probably most useful to think primarily in terms of culture rather than ethnicity.
 

Winnabago

Banned
Also, when thinking about this question, it's probably most useful to think primarily in terms of culture rather than ethnicity.

Good point.

Sakhalin's Ainu, so that could probably be incorporated. Any chance of perhaps some native tribes joining Ainu culture, like maybe the Aleuts or something?
 
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