The festival needs at least 100 female divers for its August performance.
The organizers of a traditional Japanese diving festival in Chiba Prefecture are struggling to find enough female divers to perform in their annual August event.
The Amatsuki festival, held in the city of Isumi, features a performance by female divers who plunge into the sea from a height of about 13 meters (43 feet). The tradition dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) and is said to bring good luck and a bountiful harvest.
In recent years, however, the festival has been facing a shortage of female divers. This year, the organizers need at least 100 female divers to perform in the event, but they have only been able to recruit about 60 so far.
There are several reasons for the shortage of female divers. One reason is that the diving is physically demanding. The divers must be able to swim well and hold their breath for long periods of time. They also need to be able to withstand the cold water temperatures, which can be as low as 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) in August.
Another reason for the shortage of female divers is that the training is time-consuming. The divers must train for several months before they are able to perform in the festival.
The organizers of the festival are hoping to recruit more female divers by offering a variety of incentives. They are offering free training sessions, as well as a stipend to cover the divers’ expenses.
The organizers are also hoping to attract more female divers by promoting the festival’s cultural significance. The diving is a traditional Japanese art form, and the festival is an opportunity to experience this unique culture.
If you are interested in volunteering as a female diver for the Amatsuki festival, please contact the organizers at amatsuki@city.isumi.chiba.jp
Kind regards
E. Thompson
