The History of “Nori” Seaweed

The earliest record referencing Nori (seaweed) was discovered in the early fourth century but Nori definitely existed before the Japanese written language was created. In the Nara and Heian periods (AD 710 – 1192), some records show that Nori was used as a tribute for the Emperor. Dried seaweed became popular as food in the early Edo period (AD 1603 -), and the Nihombashi area (a business district of Chūō, Tokyo) at that time was a thriving commercial district trading in Nori as well as other sea foods. Today, the Nihomabshi commercial district relinquished its role to Tsukij (now the world’s largest, busiest fish market) where we have our head office as well as a restaurant and shops.