For close to 10 years now, we have continued in our efforts to have “Ama” divers placed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Following their promotion in the NHK television drama “Ama-chan,” the Ama divers, who dive for fish unaided by oxygen tanks, attracted attention and popularity at the Ise-Shima Summit last year. However, the number of Ama divers has decreased, along with the decrease in traditional fishing methods and festivals. Ama divers, who exemplify co-existence with the ocean through sustainable fishing, are exceptional examples of Japan's ocean cultural heritage. We would like for more people to know how incredible they are.
Selected Papers No.23