The word ‘Ama’ means ‘women of the sea or sea-women’. They are a group of women in the coastal areas of Japan. They are famous for collecting pearls by diving into the sea. But though the Ama divers are famous worldwide for pearl-diving, initially they dove for food like shellfish, lobsters, octopus, sea urchins and oysters. Diving was their age-old profession of these women and still they works as divers. This practice of Ama is anticipated to be 2,000 years old. Ama divers are independent and they make their living only by diving. They can dive to the depth of the sea up to 25 meters. They dive without using any oxygen tanks or other breathing equipment. Depending on the region, an Ama may dive with masks, fins, and torso-covering wet-suits at the most. Only divers who work for tourist attractions use white, partially transparent suits. The Ama divers rely on their own skills and breathing techniques. They use their special technique to push themselves down to the bottom of the sea and back to the surface again. These deep dives were extremely hazardous to the Ama divers. The most amazing matter is that they can hold their breath for up to two minutes. Ama can keep diving well even into old age. Usually the older divers are able to stay submerged longer than the younger. There are still some Ama women in Japan who continue to dive even at their 70s. But recently, many Ama women are unwilling to continue this risky profession. Many of them are now becoming city dwellers to change their profession. But if the young people do not take up Ama diving, soon this profession will die out.
