 Indeed, the word "matagi" itself may be Ainu, from "matangi" or "matangitono", "man of winter, hunter".Matagi are referenced and described in the biographical novel "" by Martha Sherrill, alongside descriptions of a real modern day Matagi named Uesugi, who was a friend of the main characters who helped preserve the Akita breed of dog, which they used extensively for hunting.In the manga series "Golden Kamuy" a Matagi hunter named Tanigaki Genjirou is prominently featured, as well as Ainu culture in general.