The Legend of Amaterasu
A Ama Women Story
One of the most famous legends connected to the Ama women is that of Ama no Iwato (天岩戸), the divine cave of the sun goddess Amaterasu. In this story, Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, withdrew into a cave, plunging the world into darkness and chaos. The gods tried many ways to bring her out, but it was the intervention of an Ama woman that succeeded. The gods devised a plan involving a sacred dance performed by an Ama woman, accompanied by the sound of gongs and laughter. The joyful and captivating dance caught the attention of the sun goddess, who, curious, peeked out from the cave. At that moment, the gods seized the opportunity to pull her out, restoring light to the world.
This legend reflects the deep reverence for women in Japanese culture, particularly the Ama women, who are respected for their mastery of the sea and their spiritual connection to nature. Just as Amaterasu’s light was restored through the power of an Ama woman, the Ama divers symbolize the transformative power of femininity, capable of bringing renewal and balance even in the darkest of times, just as they restore harmony between themselves and the ocean.