Living with the Sea
The Diving Women of Toba
VOD for this program is no longer available.
Information
Toba, located in Mie Prefecture, thrives on oyster, abalone and Ise lobster fishing, and pearl farming. The beautiful rias coastline has numerous inlets and islands. With a 3,000-year history, the ama are women who dive for seafood. They have continued their diving tradition ensuring sustainable gathering of marine products, particularly abalone. They only dive around 50 days a year because of the fishing season and weather. They also work part-time in restaurants or as show-divers for tourists. Many ama are also kept busy growing vegetables or running guesthouses. Nevertheless, they are extremely lively as they engage in chatter after a dive. But their average age is 65. Their tradition may disappear in another 20 years. So, how do their children and grandchildren feel about the work of the ama?
This documentary looks at the tradition through the eyes of the ama and their families. Witness the charms of Toba with its wealth of nature and famous seafood cuisine.
Gallery
More Videos To Explore
Our Series
We follow Japan’s trailblazers breaking new ground in various fields and discover the purpose that keeps them moving forward.
Explore a colorful variety of modern Japan’s most popular topics, including food, technology, ecology and regional promotions, with a focus on the innovative ideas and passionate effort from the people behind it all.
This series explores the allure of traditional culture thriving in Fukui, a region rich in nature facing the Sea of Japan.
The program introduces the history and wisdom behind Japan’s technological strength and specialties, which are helping to revitalize regional areas of the country.
This series will feature how various culture in modern Japan and overseas blend together and influence each other.
In this series, we visit areas in Hokkaido with deep connections to the Ainu living there and showcase their prayers, dances, and traditional ceremonies passed down through generations.
Infotainment show featuring young artists full of talent with their unique sense of “Japan.”
