INDEX
Interesting things about seaweed found in research across Japan
Takano: What exactly is the work of the “Oishii Mirai Kenkyujo”?
Ichihara: We create opportunities to explore the value of food with researchers and practitioners in various fields based on the question, “What should we do to create a delicious future?” We also propose policies and strategies for a better future based on the concept of eating. We also collaborate with governments and businesses to implement projects based on our research.
Takano: Do you also develop products?
Ichihara: Yes, we do. I often travel around Japan with my children to research food culture, and recently I went to the Oga Peninsula in Akita to study seaweed. It is estimated that there are about 1,500 kinds of seaweed in Japan, but only about 10 of them are actually on the dinner table.
Celeina: I can’t think of any other seaweed except wakame and kelp.
Ichihara: Seaweed has many roles, effects, and tasty ways of eating, and it has been attracting attention in gastronomy overseas, but surprisingly, Japanese households are eating less of it. But on the Oga Peninsula, people still eat about 50 kinds of seaweed, and there are many interesting ways to eat it, such as as a paste or like a cake.
Takano: What kind of seaweed do you recommend, Ms.Ichihara?
Ichihara: I think it is Yumigata-ogonori. It has a crunchy texture, and it is very tasty when dressed like tako-wasa.
Celeina: Can I buy it online or something?
Ichihara: I think so. Please check out a company called “Sea Vegetable” that grows seaweed.
Celeina: I would like to hear more about food.
Takano: Please come visit us again.
Celeina: Now, “FIST BUMP” is a circle of friends connected by goo touch, so we ask you to introduce your friends, but what kind of people does Ms.Ichihara introduce to us?
Ichihara: It’s Fumito Takekura, an anthropologist.
Celeina: In a word, what kind of person is he?
Ichihara: A manipulator of time and space.
Takano: A magician. I’m curious.
Celeina: Tomorrow, I will connect you to anthropologist Fumito Takekura. Today, we have Mayo Ichihara, a researcher and secretary of the General Incorporated Association “Oishii Mirai Kenkyujo”. Thank you very much.
GRAND MARQUEE
J-WAVE (81.3FM) Mon-Thu 16:00 – 18:50
Navigator: Shinya Takano, Celeina Ann
