The Last Generation of Japan’s "Sea Women"?

A tradition anchored in the tides

On the rugged coast of western Japan, a group of remarkable women continues a centuries-old tradition: free-diving for abalone. Known as the Ama, these women brave unpredictable seas, diving without oxygen tanks and relying on a single breath to harvest seafood delicacies from rocky crevices. Among them is Aiko Ohno, a former Tokyo resident who followed her passion for the ocean to the fishing village of Ijika. Alongside veterans like 75-year-old Torako Kawamura, Aiko has embraced the rituals and risks of the Ama lifestyle, from tracing lucky stars before diving to dealing with strong tides and curious octopuses.

Diving despite decline

The Ama (which literally means "sea women") measure their catches carefully, while also releasing young abalone to replenish stocks – and they also pray for their safety. Yet, their way of life is under threat. Climate change, dwindling marine resources, and Japan’s aging population have all taken a toll. Aiko, one of the youngest at 46, dives several times a week just to make a living. She’s witnessed firsthand the vanishing seagrass and the growing emptiness beneath the waves. Still, she and her fellow divers persevere – bound by community, tradition, and a deep respect for nature.

Can the Ama culture survive?

The future of the Ama is uncertain. With fewer young women joining and the ocean offering less each year, the tradition teeters on the edge. But Aiko remains hopeful. She believes that by sharing their story and passing on their knowledge, the Ama can inspire a new generation to dive in—not just into the sea, but into a way of life that values harmony with nature and the strength of women working together.