Diversifying Legends: Exploring Ama, Japan's Renowned Deep-Sea Harvest Women
Cross the ocean waves and meet the spellbinding mermaids of Japan - the Ama! Born from centuries-old tradition, these blistering sea explorers embrace the depths with their bare hands. Join us as we dive into the fascinating life of the Ama divers and witness their underwater ballet.
What Are The Ama?
Ditching the norm, these aren’t your usual fisherwomen! These marvelous water spirits undergo daring ocean voyages, gathering marine treasures like pearls, seafood, and nutrient-rich seaweed. They trace their roots to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami herself!
Timetravel with us 60 years ago, when over 15,000 Ama divers graced Japan’s shorelines. Today, just 1,200 brave souls continue the tradition. Picture this: fearless women unaidedly plunging into the ocean’s dark depths, surfacing 100 to 150 times a day, all while holding their breath for up to two minutes per dive. And this can last 2 to 4 hours a day! These ocean acrobatics are more impressive when you learn their average age is north of 65!
The Rich and Rustic History of The Ama
The roots of the Ama can be traced back 3,000 years, as archaeological finds prove in Mie Prefecture’s Uramura. The Ama enchanted ancient poetry, with mentions in the “Man'yoshu” and the “Makura no Soshi.” Ama even claimed the sun goddess Weaver by providing abalone for Ise Jingu, one of Japan's holy sites. Their tradition stretches as far back as AD 745, with evidence from the ruins of Heijo Palace in Nara.
Legend follows: the Princess Yamatohime-no-mikoto ventured to Mie's Toba area and dined on abalone offered by an Ama woman named Oben. This special connection persists, as Ama still grace Ise Jingu with their offerings. In the 1890s, they even collaborated with Kokichi Mikimoto to pioneer cultured pearls in Toba City.
How the Ama Dive
Ama diving isn’t a Sunday stroll; it’s a skilled tradition passed down through generations. These environmentalists and fisherwomen use a simple, sustainable approach. From beginners hovering around 4-5 meters to seasoned pros diving 10 meters deep, the Ama are unparalleled marine explorers. They rely on their powerful lung power to dive for two minutes at a time, and use a long hook to collect shellfish. Catch after catch, they develop a keen eye for their seabed.
What the Ama Dive For
Above collecting pearls, these sirens seek more than sea treasure. They gather edible seafood like abalone, turban shells, lobsters, sea cucumbers, and seaweed for feasts. They also function as ocean guardians, predicting troubles and spotting signs of pollution. With their keen eyes, they adapt to ocean changes and ensure ocean health!
Find The Ama Divers
Plunge into the magical world of the Ama in Mie Prefecture, the capital for Ama encounters. Museums, guided tours, and authentic culinary experiences await! So, gather your seashells and dive into the life of the Ama!
- Keep your history afloat by touring the Osatsu Ama Museum and Toba Sea-Folk Museum.
- Swim with the Ama and witness their traditional diving methods by booking a guided tour.
- Feast like a local at the Hachiman Kamado, where the Ama gather before and after dives.
- Check out Mikimoto Pearl Island and witness the Ama divers performing their unique techniques.
Dive deep into the culture, sustainability, and incredible heritage of the Ama! So whether you’re a history buff or just seeking an unforgettable adventure, the Ama are ready to reveal a world beneath the waves! Embrace your inner mermaid and witness the amazing world of the Ama!
- The Ama divers' treasures include not just pearls, but also edible seafood like abalone, turban shells, lobsters, sea cucumbers, and seaweed.
- Apart from seaside experiences, the lifestyle of the Ama includes playing a role as ocean guardians, predicting troubles and spotting signs of pollution.
- Join local festivals to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions tied to the Ama divers, such as those held in Toba City.
- For a comprehensive understanding of the Ama's history, consult the Osatsu Ama Museum and Toba Sea-Folk Museum in Mie Prefecture.
- To get an intimate look at traditional Ama diving methods, embark on guided tours or visit Mikimoto Pearl Island.
- End your journey with a savory meal at Hachiman Kamado, a restaurant frequented by Ama divers before and after their dives.
