"Japan's parliament is to adopt a resolution that, for the first time, formally recognises the Ainu as "an indigenous people with a distinct language, religion and culture" ... [but] Discrimination was and still is a problem - in schools, in the workplace and for marriage - with some Ainu choosing not to reveal their background. Today, there is still a gap in terms of standards of living and levels of education between the Ainu and their compatriots." (Quoted from article)