【Mikimoto Pearl Island】The birthplace of cultured pearls, with demonstrations by ama divers as a highlight

Mikimoto Pearl Island: The catalyst for the pearl industry

In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto, the man who built Japan’s pearl industry, succeeded in cultivating pearls for the first time in the world on Mikimoto Pearl Island. Since its opening in 1951, the island has been visited by many people from both Japan and abroad.

The island, which spans 7,000 tsubo (approximately 23,134 square meters), is home to Pearl Museum, where you can learn everything about pearls, Kokichi Mikimoto Memorial Hall, which introduces the life of Kokichi Mikimoto, who was known as the “Pearl King,” and Pearl Plaza, which houses shops and restaurants. There is also Ama Stand, where you can watch the diving demonstrations of ama, or women divers, wearing traditional white diving outfits, making it a spot that pleasantly defies expectations.

A pearl theme park that unravels the charm of pearls from various perspectives

This, the first-ever Japanese museum specializing in pearls, has the theme of “People and Pearls: Considering their Relationship,” and it provides a detailed introduction to the mechanism of pearl formation, the entire process of pearl cultivation, and the secrets of the unique color and luster of pearls through a wealth of materials and videos. The museum has long been a pioneer in industrial tourism.

On the first floor, there is an explanation of pearl cultivation. You can learn about the efforts and hardships of Kokichi Mikimoto, who devoted his life to pearl cultivation. On the second floor, pearls used as jewelry are displayed by their era. The history of antique jewelry, mainly from the Renaissance and 19th-century Europe, as well as jewelry from the founding period of Mikimoto to the early Showa era, is explained alongside an extensive collection, making it a valuable resource that is rarely seen.

The numerous luxurious, artistic crafts, made with abundant cultured pearls, will surely lift your spirits just by looking at them. Be sure to take a look from various angles. In addition, there are playful elements, such as the world’s largest cultivated pearl, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and memorial stamp rally, where you can collect stamps scattered throughout the museum. Even those who have never been involved with pearls before can expect to enjoy it more than they imagined.

Enjoy unique souvenirs and gourmet experiences at Mikimoto Pearl Island

Mie Prefecture, where pearl cultivation has been thriving since ancient times, is home to many long-established pearl shops. The highest-quality pearls, which can only be obtained from about 5% of Akoya oysters, have a special appeal. Their graceful glow and ability to blend well with the skin win the hearts of women.

On the island, there is the shop Pearl Plaza, where you can purchase souvenirs. In addition to high-quality jewelry, it also sells items with original designs exclusive to Mikimoto Pearl Island. One of the most popular, if not the most popular, items is a madeleine containing calcium extracted from Akoya oysters. It’s a perfect memento with a unique and surprising concept.

On the second floor there is Restaurant Awako, where you can enjoy a meal while overlooking the sea. There is a dish called Pearl Set Meal, which uses plenty of Akoya shells; it is a secretly popular menu item that can only be eaten here. Also, if you sit by the window, you may be able to see ama divers diving underwater during your meal. Be sure to visit the island and check it out!

The only place to witness ama divers, who supported pearl cultivation, perform

Ama divers were essential to pearl cultivation. They would dive to the seabed to collect Akoya oysters, insert the nucleus and then return the oysters to the seabed. If a red tide or typhoon struck, they would quickly move the oysters to a safe place. Without the efforts of ama divers, the success of pearl cultivation would not have been possible. The need for ama divers has decreased due to advances in cultivation technology, and it is somewhat sad to see their role diminish.

Because the people on Mikimoto Pearl Island cherish the contributions of Ama divers, they have set up Ama Stand, where they still perform diving demonstrations. This is said to be the only place where you can see Ama divers in their traditional white diving attire. They can dive down more than five meters, and their ability to hold their breath for an extended period is a result of rigorous training. It’s a professional skill that amateurs cannot imitate.

Pearls are gems with a low probability of being obtained, and one can only wonder what ama divers of the past felt as they dove into the depths. Their challenging work was rewarded because there were people eagerly awaiting pearls, and their value comes from the difficulty involved. Kokichi Mikimoto, who dreamed of adorning women around the world with the pearls he created, left the words, “I want to see women’s necks adorned with pearls all around the world.” Why not try wearing a pearl that makes women shine?