Seaweed Day — A Quiet History of Nori in Omori (February 6 — What Happened on This Day) #233

Sixty Years
Since Its Establishment

Seaweed Day was established in 1966
by the National Federation of Nori
and Shellfish Fisheries Cooperatives.
It has now been observed for sixty years.

A Brief History of Nori

Nori has been familiar
to the Japanese people since ancient times.
Traces of diatoms—
evidence of early seaweed use—
have been found
in Jōmon‑period archaeological sites.

By the Nara period,
nori appeared in written records
under names such as shisai and nori.

Why February 6?

In the year 701 the Taihō Code,
nori was one of the 29
marine products subject to the "Cho" (tax).

The enactment date of 
Taihō 2, 1st month,
1st day—is converted to the Western calendar,
is February 6, 702.
This day became the anniversary.

Setting it on the enactment date,
not the establishment date.

Nori is also a seasonal word for early spring,
which harmonizes naturally with February 6.

Omori and the Birth of Nori Fishing

In 1682,
a fisherman named Rokurōzaemon Noguchi 
（1592-1682）
from Kita‑Omori 
is said to have begun nori harvesting. 
This is considered 
the origin of Omori’s nori industry.

Later, 
Omori nori was presented 
to the shogunate as goyō‑nori— 
official nori for the government. 
This patronage greatly contributed 
to the growth of the industry.

The Dawn of Nori Cultivation

In 1717,
a fisherman named Yahei from Asakusa
developed the first tool designed specifically
for nori cultivation:
the sodahibi,
made from trimmed bamboo branches.

This innovation marked the true beginning
of nori aquaculture.

The Development of Nori Products

Between 1772 and 1780,
sheet‑style nori was invented,
leading to a boom in nori rolls.

In the Meiji period:

• 1869 — Yamamoto Nori‐ten introduced seasoned nori. 

• 1871 — Shuetsu Kōsen created the first nori tsukudani. 

• 1873 — Japanese nori received a third‑class award 

• 　　　　at the Vienna World Exposition.

• 1877 — Yamagataya began selling bottled roasted nori.

Through these innovations,
nori evolved into a wide range of products 
and gained recognition around the world.

The Golden Age of Omori Nori

Later,
the Omori Honba Dried Nori Wholesalers’ Cooperative 
was established.
Omori became the only region in Japan
officially permitted to use the title “Honba”— 
the authentic heartland.

Nori Today

With the spread of the Setsubun custom
of eating ehō‑maki,
early February has become a peak season
for nori consumption.

Today, many regions hold events during this period,
now known as “Nori Week.”

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