Maritime Madams: Ama

Ama are Japanese female fisherwomen and free divers who plunge into the ocean without oxygen tanks, or other modern diving equipment. They dive for shellfish and seafood, particularly abalone. In recent years, their numbers have declined as climate change has taken its toll and the diving population has grown older. Today, they remind us of the importance of tradition and environmental stewardship.

For Further Reading: 

• The Plight of Japan’s Ama Divers
• Japan’s last female ‘Ama’ pearl-divers
• The last wave
• Diving to preserve an ancient, women-led Japanese fishing tradition
• Ancient art of pearl diving breathes its last
• The Long History of the Women Divers of Shima

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth. 

History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter

See

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:05):
Hello from Wonder Media Network. I'm Jenny Kaplan and this
is Wamanica. This month we're talking about maritime Madams. Whether
through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, these women
harness the power of the bodies of water that cover
our earth. Today we're traveling to the rugged coasts of Japan, where,

(00:26):
for more than two thousand years, a unique sisterhood has endured.
These women plunge into cold, dark waters, risking the depths
to chase the ocean's bounty. Please meet the Ama, the
legendary free diving fisher women of Japan. The word Ama
translates roughly to sea woman. While male Ama divers do exist,

(00:51):
the practice of free diving in Japan's coastal communities has
been dominated by women for more than two thousand years.
Biological evidence suggests that the practice of alma diving dates
back to the eighth century. In fact, the oldest collection
of Japanese poetry, which was compiled in the seven fifties,
mentions Ama divers. Historically, women took to the profession more

(01:14):
than men because they were considered better suited to diving.
People reasoned that women could hold their breath for longer
and had more natural fat to insulate them in icy waters.
Although there are Alma women scattered throughout Japan, the majority
of them live in the country's Mea prefecture. In Mia,
the diving tradition is at its strongest. An excavation there
unearthed piles of three thousand year old Ama tools made

(01:37):
from deer antlers. Very little is changed about Ama diving
since its inception, but over time the attire has been updated. Traditionally,
Ama would dive into the ocean wearing only a loincloth,
braving the cold waters to collect seafood, seaweed, and pearls.
After World War II, they adopted white cotton garments with

(01:59):
more coverage. They were believed to ward off sharks, honor
the Shinto sun goddess, and prevent overexertion. The women often
wrapped themselves in towels dotted with star shaped charms and
lattice patterns. The designs were good luck charms meant to
ward off evil. They also sported circular face masks. In
the nineteen sixties, wetsuits became common, allowing them to dive

(02:21):
for longer periods and in colder conditions. Still, they continue
to wear their good luck towels around their heads these days.
Before diving, many AMA women will gather together and recite
prayers to guide them during the task ahead. In unison,
they might chant, I ask for plentiful abalone, sea snails
and sea urchins. I beg you please protect us from accidents,

(02:44):
the sea sharks, and other disasters. Once they jump into
the water, AMA divers seem nearly superhuman. They often dive
up to twenty meters deep and stay submerged for minute
long bursts. They use minimal equipment just to and ask
fins and a wooden bucket to hold their catch. Focus
is essential to make sure they can make the most

(03:05):
of their limited lung capacity. Over time, these women have
developed several distinctive practices that distinguish them from other fissures.
One notable feature of the ama is the esobu or
sea whistle, a high pitched exhalation they make between dives.
This whistle not only helps them regulate their breathing, but
also signals their location to fellow divers. From the beginning,

(03:28):
amma have been central to their communities, providing invaluable food
and income, but in the early twentieth century they became
more widely known for playing a crucial role in Japan's
pearl industry, working with big companies like Mickeymoto Jewelry. The
Ama are also known for their close connection with nature
and commitment to sustainability. Big commercial fisheries rely on large

(03:49):
nets that are dragged along the ocean floor. The process
destroys under sea habitats. Ama divers meanwhile, do their fishing
by hand. This allows them to be more precise and
avoid disrupting the natural ecosystems below them. Sadly, Amma diving
is not what it used to be. Climate change, pollution,

(04:11):
and commercial over harvesting have taxed the environment and made
it much harder for these women to come out with
a good catch. Some Ama are raising kelp sea urchin
and young abalonian hatcheries to restore local populations. They're also
raising awareness about the impact of climate change on marine
environments and teaching traditional practices is a way to counteract
the negative impacts of a warming planet. As decades have passed,

(04:34):
the number of Amma divers has plummeted. While there were
nearly ten thousand divers in the period right after World
War II, there are now fewer than two thousands still active.
The average diver is getting older as well, and while
many divers will continue to fish as long as they're
physically able, the younger generation is less interested in continuing
the legacy. Diving has also become less sustainable financially. Many

(05:01):
Alma must work side jobs to support their families, while
watching the Alma plunge underwater has become a popular tourist
attraction in certain areas. Many divers wish they could make
a living diving into the water and catching real fish
like they used to, without being forced to perform for money. Museums,
cultural centers, and tourism initiatives are working to educate the

(05:21):
public and honor the contributions of these remarkable women. One
such initiative as the Toba ce Folk Museum, which showcases
the history and culture of the Ama, even with their
numbers dwindling and the modern world closing in the Alma
and door. In their stories, we hear the whisper of
the waves and an unyielding reminder of the ocean's irreplaceability.

(05:43):
All month, We're talking about maritime Madams. For more information,
find us on Facebook and Instagram at Wamanica Podcast Special
thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co creator,
talk to you tomorrow.