Japan’s last ‘Ama’ sea women
In this short film, members of different generations of Japan’s Ama sea women are interviewed about their traditional practices. With thousands of years of history behind them, these freediving fisherwomen strive to live in harmony with nature—catching only what is needed while actively protecting the marine environment. Their seasonal harvest traditions reflect this balance: gathering seaweed in spring, abalone in summer, and turban shells in autumn. Many of the women also engage in spiritual practices, offering prayers for safe dives, and often remain active well into older age—the oldest active diver interviewed is 74 years old. However, the tradition is at risk of fading, as many daughters are no longer interested in following in their mothers' footsteps, and younger generations show declining interest in preserving Ama culture.
