Pearl Diving in Japan

Pearl diving refers to a nearly obsolete method of taking oysters from the ocean floor.

Before the turn of the 20th century, one of the only ways to obtain pearls was by diving to the ocean floor and bringing up the oysters. The oysters were then split open and searched to find the pearls.

Pearl diving began in Asia several centuries ago, with the Chinese as the first to show an interest in pearls.

Before long China introduced Japan to the pearl industry. Japanese women soon began to dive down into the ocean in order to collect the oysters that held the pearls.

Diving could be very dangerous, as the divers were often required to go to depths of 100 feet. There were many dangers to pearl diving, including sea creatures and drowning. Drowning often occurred as a result of blacking out while resurfacing.

As a result of the dangers, many of the divers were low on the social ladder, or even slaves.

Due to the difficulty in getting these pearls and because the growth of the pearls in the oyster was so unpredictable, pearls were very rare and the quality varied greatly.

The demand for these pearls was very high, however. Many people began to search for better ways of diving and getting the oysters.

During 19th century, Asian divers only had basic forms of technology to help them at such great depths and find the best perlen.

In some areas, the divers greased up their bodies to help conserve heat, placed greased cotton inside their ears, wore a clip to hold their nostrils closed, and used a basket or net to get the oysters to the surface.

Kichimatsu Mikimoto an expert in Brautschmuck was the first to truly improve the techniques of diving and farming for pearls. In 1913, he found the first spherical pearls and in 1920 began to market the pearls to Europe and the United States.

He actually determined how to implant the particles inside the oysters to help encourage the formation of pearls, which led to a more predictable production of the beautiful pearl. Today, pearl farming actually produces million of very high quality pearls each year.

It’s often been reported that a new diver feels strangled and like they are running out of breath while diving. However, the older women divers truly enjoy their art form. It took time, but eventually, the younger women begin to relax and enjoy the dives in the tradition of their ancestors.

While much of the tradition of pearl diving is gone today, a few true pearl divers are still diving daily.

The difference today is that pearl diving is more of an attraction today than a necessity. However, even as a tourist attraction, some divers can find a pearl that will ensure a good way of living for the rest of their lives.