From time immemorial, Japan has reaped the bounty of the sea that surrounds it. Fish, yes, but just as important is seaweed. It's an essential part of the Japanese diet.
Because seaweed is highly nutritious and low in calories, it is now gaining worldwide popularity as a health food.
With its kaleidoscope of colors and shapes, seaweed can also be pressed like flowers. One man's lifelong interest in this pastime even led him to discover a new species!
Scientists are also interested. One laboratory has made an anti-aging cream from seaweed, while another is trying to turn seaweed into a new energy source.
On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is seaweed. We examine the many ways in which it is woven into Japanese life.
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