One of the most fascinating but lesser known traditions of Japan is that of the Amasan – which literally translates to ‘the women of the sea’. Honed by years of experience, the Amasan are professional divers who rely on their diving speed, lung capacity, great intuition and determination to succeed.While they dive for seaweed, sea cucumber, sea urchin and lobster, abalone is the most prized catch. The term ‘Ama’ dates back to as early as 750 AD and is found in ancient Japanese poetry recorded in the Man’yoshi.
Although the tradition is still maintained, the original practices of diving have been lost with time. We were quite thrilled to stumble on the phenomenal work of Fosco Maraini. Through his book: The Island of the Fisher-women he captured the indispensable role the Amasan play, particularly in the cultivation of pearls, and sustainable fishing.