Japanese pearl divers with their Australian boat owner, Victor Kepert (wearing the hat), Broome, about 1914 or early 1920s

In the summer of 1888–89, Broome became the centre of the pearling industry in the colony of Western Australia. The most successful divers were Asians: Malays, Timorese and, especially, Japanese.

Japanese divers were highly sought after, because of their energy and endurance. They worked from dawn till dusk, making up to 50 dives a day and staying at sea for up to four months. Although pearling was dangerous, it could be very profitable. Those who succeeded and went home with their earnings became wealthy members of their communities.