Toba-Shima Ama Divers

2000 Years of Sea Culture

The history of ama fishing in Mie is said to span over 2,000 years, with about 700 ama divers still active along the Toba-Shima coast. Mie concentrates about half of Japan's ama divers, making it Japan's largest ama region.

Free Diving Technique

Using only their bodies without equipment, they dive to harvest abalone, turban shells, and ise lobster. Skilled ama can dive over 20 meters deep, requiring years of training and physical fitness.

Ama Hut Experiences

At ama huts throughout the area, visitors can experience fresh seafood meals prepared by ama and learn about ama culture. The "ama hut experience" of grilling freshly harvested abalone and turban shells over charcoal is a popular tourist activity.

UNESCO Registration Drive

The ama culture of Mie and Ishikawa/Wajima is being jointly pursued for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage registration by Japan and Korea, with global attention on its uniqueness and sustainability.