Tasuke Yamamoto, a revered Ainu elder and Ekasi—a title honoring male ancestors and respected community figures—dedicated himself to preserving Ainu heritage through documenting oral traditions and recording sacred epics. His efforts extended to pivotal cultural events, including the Shakushain Memorial Museum’s inauguration, where he commended a sword dance performance by Akira Toko, joined by fellow tradition-bearer Imakichi Akibe. Yamamoto emphasized the dance’s ritualistic roots, advocating for its sacred reverence of swords over modernized, conflict-driven interpretations. This stance exemplified his commitment to cultural authenticity. Rooted in foundational communities like the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, a hub for sustaining traditions, his work contributed to broader initiatives resisting assimilation and revitalizing Ainu identity.