Ainu people are an indigenous people of Japan. They are light-skinned and stout and have an abundance of body hairs; males have mustaches and huge beards, which married females imitate since having a beard for them is a sign of beauty.

Single Ainu women were normally independent but submit under men's will once married. But they still have the right though to go to war and participate in council meetings.

Aside from their adorned hands, forehead, and arms, the most distinguishing feature of Ainu women were the blue, moustache-like tattoos on their mouth.