Research & Production

We are committed to cultivating seaweed both on the ocean’s surface and on land, connecting the rich ecosystems of the sea with culinary culture across Japan.

Seaweed Harvesting

We collect parent seaweed for seedling cultivation from various locations across the country, in collaboration with local fishers and other partners. Led by our ecology research team, which has conducted field surveys for over 50 years, this division is crucial for seedling production.

Seedling Production

From the harvested parent seaweed, we produce seedlings in our own laboratories nationwide. Our labs focus on producing seedlings for our flagship product, Suji-Aonori, while also developing new seedling production technologies for other seaweed species. These seedlings are then transported to our production sites across the country, where they are cultivated with the help of local fishers.

Equipment Development and Research

We develop cultivation equipment and analyze water quality and nutrients to optimize seaweed growth. Our equipment development team collaborates with external partners to create specialized equipment tailored to each type of seaweed, and we have secured multiple patents in the process. Our experts in water quality and nutrient analysis work continuously to improve seaweed quality through ongoing research.

Land-Based Seaweed Cultivation

We are the first in the world to conduct large-scale land-based seaweed cultivation using underground seawater. Utilizing clean, stable-temperature underground seawater with minimal foreign matter, we operate cultivation facilities from Iwate in the north to Kumamoto in the south, where we maintain consistent year-round cultivation, particularly involving people with disabilities and the elderly.

Sea-Based Aquaculture

We work with fishers nationwide to cultivate seaweed on the ocean’s surface. Amid the decline of seaweed across the country, our collaboration with fishers to cultivate seaweed helps enrich marine ecosystems. While some species can only be cultivated on land, many varieties are grown in the ocean.

Ecosystem Research

In collaboration with the Nippon Foundation and GoodSea, we are conducting quantitative research on the positive impact of seaweed surface cultivation on marine ecosystems, addressing issues such as coastal desertification due to rising seawater temperatures and herbivorous damage. We are also investigating the cultural aspects of seaweed consumption.