The harbour in Omoe, a fishing district on Japan’s north-east coast. Women are up against a cultural resistance towards females earning a living out at sea.The harbour in Omoe, a fishing district on Japan’s north-east coast. Women are up against a cultural resistance towards females earning a living out at sea.ith one last heave, Mayumi Okada launches a heavy, sopping wet rope into the Pacific Ocean.
Kuniaki agrees. “We heard about companies that refused to sell boats when they heard women would be working on them, but attitudes are changing. But if women aren’t involved then the men will be unable to do it all by themselves … fishing is that kind of industry.” “The local fishing industry wouldn’t be able to survive without women, but you need physical strength to work on a boat, hauling in the catch and putting it in storage. And then there are the long hours, including working at night. And what about sea sickness?”