‘Ama’ divers denounce ‘obscene’ city mascot, demand its withdrawal

MORE than 100 ama divers (exceptional sea divers who use no breathing equipment) are demanding that the coastal city of Shima, Mie Prefecture, scrap a newly adopted mascot on the grounds that it is obscene.

They say the demure girl cartoon character, with large breasts, tight top and skirt riding up her thighs, is overtly sexual and is disrespectful toward a dignified profession.