In the Shimotsui area of Kurashiki City, there used to be around 30 to 40 seaweed producers competing with each other.
However, due to harsh natural conditions, environmental changes, and a lack of successors, currently only a handful remain in operation.
Nanjou Nori Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Nanjou Nori") is one of those few remaining producers, continuing the craft of seaweed production for over 50 years. In recent years, they have also been focusing on the sales of their own brand, Washu Nori.
We interviewed them about their passion for seaweed production and their commitment to quality.
The information provided is based on the article published in September 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About Nanjou Nori Co., Ltd.
Nanjou Nori is a company engaged in the cultivation, manufacturing, and sales of seaweed located in Shimotsui, Kurashiki City.
The founder is the current representative, Nanjou Yuji's father, Iwamatsu. Originally a fisherman, Iwamatsu started this business as a source of income during the off-season in winter.
The mainstay of the business is shipping the cultivated and manufactured seaweed to the Okayama Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative Association (hereinafter referred to as "Prefectural Fisheries Cooperative"). Additionally, since 2015, they have been developing their own brand, "Washu Nori."
The seaweed produced using knowledge and experience passed down through generations has been highly regarded at the prefectural fisheries cooperative's competitions, winning the highest award, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, three times in the past.
The Process of Growing Seaweed in Harmony with Nature
What processes are involved in creating a single sheet of seaweed?
The seaweed production season runs from autumn to winter.
It begins with "seedling collection" (sai-byō), where the seaweed seeds prepared from spring to summer are attached to nets. Then, the baby seaweed attached to the nets is nurtured in the sea or tanks through "seedling raising" (iku-byō), and as the seawater temperature begins to drop, the full-fledged seaweed farming season arrives.
Once the seaweed has grown to about 30 cm, it is immediately taken to the land factory.
After going through several processes such as washing, foreign matter removal, aging, and shaping, it finally takes on the familiar shape of seaweed. According to Yuji, during this period, the family works together, taking short naps while operating around the clock.
In recent years, due to the effects of global warming, seawater temperatures have risen, shortening the fishing season. Additionally, predation damage (birds and fish eating the seaweed during cultivation) has also led to a decrease in harvest volume.
In the field of seaweed production, such challenges that did not exist in the past are increasing.
Nanjou Nori's Commitment to Quality Seaweed
Here are some of the products handled by Nanjou Nori.
"Washu Nori" Focused on First and Second Harvests
Nanjou Nori's own brand, "Washu Nori," uses only the first and second harvest seaweed collected at the beginning of the harvest season. Its characteristics include a soft texture that melts in the mouth and a rich black color that gives a strong impression, along with a robust flavor of the sea.
The appeal of the ingredients is utilized in various products such as flavored seaweed, roasted seaweed, and Korean-style salted seaweed.
Seaweed continues to grow even after the first harvest, but it becomes slightly harder with each subsequent harvest. At Nanjou Nori, the number of harvests in one season is about eight. Among them, the first harvest is limited in quantity compared to the later ones and is considered a precious product.
"Children's Lunchbox Nori" for Kids
The "Children's Lunchbox Nori" series was born from the desire to deliver seaweed that is gentle on the body and safe for children to eat. The raw materials used are the same first and second harvest seaweed grown in-house, just like "Washu Nori."
The series includes the following three varieties.
"Flavored Seaweed for Kids" has been so well received that one customer affectionately referred to it as "Devil's Seaweed."
We spoke with Nanjou Yuji, the president of Nanjou Nori, and his daughter, Nanjou Yoko, who is in charge of product planning and public relations, about seaweed production.
Data of Nanjou Nori Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Nanjou Nori Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Seaweed Cultivation, Manufacturing, and Sales |
| Representative Name | Nanjou Yuji |
| Year Established | 1974 |
| Address | 4-1-4 Shimotsui, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-479-9125 (Weekdays 1 PM - 4 PM) |
| Website | Nanjou Nori |
Free from chemical seasonings, with a gentle taste that is not spicy
Using "Flavored Seaweed for Kids," this furikake is finished with sesame, salt, and soy sauce
Seaweed cut into shapes of sea creatures and the character Momotaro