ABOUT THE AMA, HISTORY, WORK, CULTURE OF AMA DIVERS. ｜INTRODUCTION OF AMA TOURIST SPOTS IN MIE PREFECTURE.

 1.ABOUT AMA.
 2.AMA WORK.
 3.HOW DO AMA DIVERS WORK?
 4.DIVING EQUIPMENT OF AN AMA DIVER.
 5.AMA CLOTHING
 6.AMA CULTURE
 7.AMA TOURIST SPOTS TO ENJOY IN MIE PREFECTURE
 8.Osatsu Ama Culture Museum – Experience the culture and history of ama divers.
 9.Enjoy delish seafood and snacks while listening to the stories from ama divers in ama huts.
10.Diving tour with a real ama diver in ise-shima.
Summary

An ama diver plunges underwater with simple gear alone to primarily catch marine life like shellfish, seaweed for a living. 
Ama divers are found in various areas of the country, but they are predominantly found in the Toba and Shima areas of Mie Prefecture, which is known as the best town in Japan to meet them.

Ama diving has the same rules as any other fishing activity, and so to prevent them from overfishing, the fishing area, the size of the shellfish, and the hours of fishing per day are strictly regulated. By observing these rules, ama divers can protect their livelihood, as well as resources in the sea. With this, ama divers live in harmony with nature.  

・Funado. (Funado style)

　Those who go to the fishing ground using a boat with their spouse, or parent and child and operate by a pair of 2.

・Kachido. (Kachido style)

　Those who directly swim to the ocean from the shore with a fish bucket on hand.

・Noriai. (Noriai style)

　Those who go in a group in a boat.

・Sukari(net)

　A net that holds ama diver’s catch.
・Isooke(wooden bucket)・Isodaru(wooden barrel)
　Tools to harvest the marine products or to rest on the surface of the sea water.
・Isomegane (Googles)
　Underwater googles used for diving.
・Nomi(Chisels)
　Tools to pry abalone from rocks and boulders.

The traditional attire of ama divers is a white outfit called “Isogi”. Ama divers wear a white shirt, a loincloth, and white gloves. In modern times, however, rubber wetsuits have become more common so that divers can endure longer hours in the cold water. Divers in Toba and Shima also always wear wetsuits to ensure safe fishing.  

Ama divers, who dive alone, have their own customs and beliefs to protect themselves from disasters. In Toba and Shima, there are many shrines and temples that are worshipped by the ama and “Umi-no-tami” (People of the sea) Festivals and traditions of ama are still continuing to be handed down. These are the essential elements of the ama culture as the ama coexist with nature.

The "Osatsu Ama Culture Museum," is a great place to visit, where you can take your time to learn about the culture and history of ama divers. The "Ama Experience" where you can dive into the sea of Iseshima with ama divers is also a must.

In this museum, tools used by ama divers from the past such as Isogi (Traditional attire of ama), and old documents are displayed. There are also sculptures, paintings, photographs, and other art as well as a life-sized ama mannequin. Visitors can also simulate the experience of catching abalone using a model and feel the culture and lifestyle of ama divers in Osatsu.  

"Amagoya osatsu kamado" is a place for divers to relax around a sunken hearth, where they keep warm, change clothes, and eat.
In the Toba and Shima areas, you can enjoy the "amagoya experience," where you can eat luxurious seafood such as lobsters, abalone, and turban shells, as well as ama's snacks, while listening to the stories of ama diving and their experiences at sea.

In Shimacho Wagu, which is known as the home of ama divers, you can enjoy an "ama experience" tour where you can dive into the sea of Ise-Shima with a real ama diver. You can learn about the secrets and history of the sea from divers who know the sea well, while enjoying the beautiful nature of Ise-Shima. 

In Mie Prefecture, where the ama culture is deeply rooted, you can see, hear, and experience ama diving and taste fresh seafood while being surrounded by the scent of the sea. Please have a visit to Mie Prefecture and experience the ama culture with all your senses.