At low tide

For over three thousand years, the ama , Japanese "sea women," have populated the shores of the archipelago, free-diving in search of seaweed and abalone. Their sensual connection to the water, their fearlessness, and their sovereignty have, over the centuries, fascinated poets and artists.

Kusukazu Uraguchi, Off Azurihama Beach, Koshika, Opening Day of the Abalone Season , 1965 - Courtesy of the artist and Écho 119.