Ama (ama)
あま
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Occupations
- Middle : Fishery Occupations
- Minor : Seaweed and Shellfish Harvesters
Summary
Traditional fishery worker who harvests seaweed and shellfish by freediving.
Description
Ama are professionals who harvest seaweed, shellfish, pearls, etc., by freediving without breathing apparatus. They read sea currents, tides, and seabed topography while diving, and use knives and baskets to harvest without damaging the targets. Historically, many women have been involved, and it has been passed down as a traditional fishing method. Today, they work affiliated with fishery cooperatives or as tourism experience guides, requiring advanced breathing techniques and underwater work skills.
Future Outlook
Aging population and shortage of successors are serious issues, but attention as tourism experiences and traditional culture is increasing, leading to growing new business opportunities centered on successor training and environmental conservation.
Personality Traits
Cautious / Interested in Natural Environment / Patient / Team-oriented
Work Style
Independent Fishery Cooperative Member / Outdoor Work / Seasonal and Weather Dependent / Small Team
Career Path
Trainee (Apprentice) → Skilled Ama → Veteran Ama → Fishery Cooperative Instructor → Ama Experience Guide
Required Skills
Breathing Techniques / Diving Skills / Harvesting Tool Operation / Seabed Topography Reading
Recommended Skills
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Required to respond immediately to changes in sea conditions and currents. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Necessary to harvest shellfish and seaweed accurately without damaging them. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Essential physical stamina to sustain long dives and underwater work. |
| Stress Tolerance | Mental strength required to continue work in deep sea or rough weather. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Less need for creative thinking as work follows set procedures. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Little calculation work, almost no need for specialized math knowledge. |
Related Qualifications
- Diver
- Small Boat Operator
Aliases
- Ama
- Ama (female)
- Underwater Harvester
Related Jobs
- Aquaculture Fisherman
- Diver
- Fisherman