Have you heard of the word “海女” (Ama) before? Chances are you haven’t, so let me teach you! Ama refers to female divers who dive for abalone, sea urchins, etc. in the seas of Japan.
I first learned about this tradition when I watched the NHK drama “Amachan” in 2013, which is a drama about a young woman moving to Iwate to become a diver. However, after witnessing the tsunami during the big Earthquake in 2011, I found it hard to feel the charm of this culture, as I had come to see the terrifying power of nature.
However, Japan is a country that faces many natural disasters. If we try to run away from all the threats, we won’t be able to do much at all. Now that I’m older, I’ve begun to recognize how important Ama divers are.
Due to the impacts of global warming and a declining birthrate, the Ama culture is losing successors. Nevertheless, these incredible women continue to dive to protect their rich culture and way of life while living in harmony with nature.
Today, I’d like to introduce you to Japan’s beautiful and strong Ama culture.
Ama – Photo Credit: 八木迷々
Who are Ama divers?
In 1978, there were about 9,000 Ama divers in Japan. While the men of the village were away working, the women dived from April to September, supporting their families through their work in the sea.
Nowadays, the average age of Ama has risen to around 70, and their numbers have decreased to about 1,200. Moreover, half of them are located in the Toba and Shima areas in Mie Prefecture, which is known as the area where Japan’s Ama culture is most deeply rooted.
There is a long history of Ama, with about 3000-5000 years. Additionally, unique customs and rituals associated with it are still practiced in various regions today.
Interestingly, Ama culture exists not only in Japan but also in Korea. In fact, in 2016, Jeju Island’s Ama tradition was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
However, there are differences between the Ama cultures of Japan and Korea. For example, in Japan, there’s a tradition called “Funado,” where husbands and wives work together on boats, or where men in the family assist the Ama. This is even reflected in the kanji. Even if pronounced the same, ama can be written as 海女, 海人 (both women and men), or 海士 (men). On the other hand, on Jeju Island, only women participate in diving.
Ama Diver and Arigato Travel Member – Photo Credit: Norma
What is special about Ama divers?
What makes Ama divers truly remarkable is their incredible endurance. These women can dive to depths of around 10 meters without using oxygen tanks or fins. And because they fully understand the dangers of the sea, they know their limits and always stay focused to keep an eye out for any potential risks.
For them, each dive lasts about 50 seconds. In addition, they are only allowed to dive for up to an hour and a half each day, so they try to get as much out of their dive as possible within that time.
They also have incredible, strict self-discipline. For instance, if they feel even slightly unwell, or if the weather looks unpredictable, they never dive. It’s crucial for them not to be greedy, as their self-control is key to keeping both themselves and the marine ecosystem safe.
By following ancient knowledge, experience, and strict traditions, they continue to protect their own lives and the sea’s natural balance.
What do they do to protect themselves and the sea?
Ama – Photo Credit: tamuzbac
No oxygen tanks or fins
While using useful equipment might allow them to catch more easily, overfishing would harm the marine environment, which is why it’s strictly regulated.
Furthermore, Ama have always taken pride in diving with minimal items to gather the ocean’s treats. Even in today’s world, where more convenient tools are available, they continue to live the same way, preserving tradition.
Sea Urchins Damaging Seaweed – Photo Credit: seabreeze
Coexisting with Nature
Seaweed is an important part of ocean ecosystems. In recent years, changes in ocean currents, rising water temperatures, and damage caused by sea urchins have led to the large-scale death of seaweed called “Isoyake.” When seaweed disappears, fish lose their food and home, which impacts not only Ama divers but also Japan’s entire fishing industry.
To tackle this issue, a summit was held in 2023 where Ama divers from seven prefectures, such as Mie, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Iwate, and even 65 participants from South Korea, gathered to discuss the current situation and solution for Isoyake. Given their deep understanding of the marine ecosystem, these women would find long-term solutions. This goes to show how much Ama divers strive for sustainability and the preservation of natural resources.
Seman and Doman – Photo Credit: tamuzbac
Rituals and Traditions
Ama divers follow various customs throughout the year. Before each fishing session, they partake in rituals to purify their bodies, chanting, and praying to stay safe during their dives.
In particular, the Mie region has many shrines and temples that Ama divers visit to pray for a rich catch and their safety at sea.
Local Customs in Mie Prefecture (Depending on region)
New Year’s Day: Before dawn on New Year’s morning, Ama divers enter the sea to bathe in the “Wakashio” (young tide) and see the first sunrise. They also pray to the sea gods for good catches and safety throughout the year.
Midsummer Day of the Ox: On the 25th and 26th of June, Ama divers take a break from hunting to visit Izawa-no-miya Shrine and Aominesan Shōfukuji Temple. It is considered taboo for them to dive on these days.
Kuchiake: This refers to the first diving day of the new year. As the spring season begins, the “Iso Festival” and “Hama Festival” are held, and people place offerings to the sea and cast rituals and spells. At the end of the hunting season in autumn, a thanksgiving ceremony is also organized.
Chants: At the start of diving, Ama divers lick seawater and chant “Tsui Tsui,” “Chuchu,” or “Tsuya Tsuya.” They then throw rice into the sea and pray before diving in.
Seman and Doman: On their diving items, Ama divers stitch or dye two protective symbols such as the star-shaped “Seman” and the grid-patterned “Doman”. These markings are talismans to protect them from danger.
Examples of Shrines and Temples:
Ama’s Tools – Photo Credit: 八木迷々
Tools of Ama Divers
Seoi Kago: A basket used to carry all of the Ama’s equipment. The total weight of their stuff is around 15 kg.
Iso Megane: Introduced in Mie Prefecture around 1878, these underwater goggles allowed for better vision while diving. However, due to overfishing of abalone, they were once restricted.
Awabi Okoshi: A tool with an iron blade and a wooden handle, often decorated with protective symbols to ward off evil spirits.
Kaginomi: This tool has a hook-shaped tip, perfect for catching turban shells and sea urchins.
Sunbou: A tool to measure the size of the abalone. In Mie Prefecture, harvesting abalone that fits within the Sunbou is prohibited.
Hikari: A shell marker left in the sea to indicate where the Ama found abalone, especially helpful when they go up.
Tanbo: A floating net equipped with a buoy, used to hold the items. It is also good as a marker to show where the Ama is diving.
Minamiboso Shirahama Ama Festival – Photo Credit: ©南房総市
Ama-Related Events
Northernmost Ama Festival
First Sunday of August (every year)
This festival takes place in the filming location of the aforementioned drama “Amachan.” Visitors can watch Ama’s diving, and there are also opportunities to buy fresh seafood at cheaper prices.
Minamiboso Shirahama Ama Festival
Mid-July (every year)
This is the largest night festival in Chiba Prefecture, held since 1964 to pray for safety and rich harvests. One of the most breathtaking sights is the “Night Swim,” where nearly 100 Ama, dressed in traditional white dress, enter the sea carrying torches, which is an extremely rare spectacle. Additionally, you can enjoy fireworks and food stalls, so it’s worth checking out!
Ama Hut Osatsu Kamado
If you visit for lunch or tea time, you can enjoy fresh seafood grilled by Ama divers and even try on their traditional diving clothes. Moreover, you’ll get the chance to talk with Ama and observe their way of life. Why not make a reservation and go to Mie Prefecture for this unique experience?
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7jCYF7WQUD8UDLik6
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wQssWgpWGzfxRcz29
Seafood Delight – Photo Credit: akizou
In this blog, I introduced Ama, the name given to women who dive consistently for various sea life. As they take several precautions and educate themselves about nearly everything that lies in the ocean, they practically coexist with Japan’s nature under the sea. Nearly every day, these incredible women, even past the age of 80, continue to preserve tradition and make multiple dives a day for harvests, while also putting forth such inspiring dedication to their profession by making shrine visits and partaking in several rituals. Without this effort, the Ama culture wouldn’t have survived for such a long time, and Japan wouldn’t have benefited as much as they have from these admirable divers’ harvests each year. With how inspiring these groups of women are, and with the opportunity to learn what they do and how, why not take the chance to connect with Ama and see firsthand the effort and dedication of a culture that has been preserved for thousands of years?
Featured Photo Credit: Created by Canva
