Japan's Ancient Ama Free-Diving Tradition Fights for Survival Amid Aging Workforce

The Ama are a group of elite Japanese free divers who have harvested seafood from the ocean without oxygen tanks for centuries. This centuries-old tradition now faces an uncertain future as the community of practitioners continues to age and ocean ecosystems undergo significant changes. The declining number of active divers threatens the long-term continuity of this unique cultural practice. In response, local communities have begun mobilizing efforts to preserve and promote the Ama heritage. These collective initiatives aim to keep the tradition alive despite the mounting challenges it faces.