Registered in Guinness as the "Most Expensive Seaweed Sold at Auction"
Exceptional Umami Flavor and Soft Texture
Premium seaweed produced in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, was auctioned off for 1,200 yen (approximately 11,000 won) per sheet, earning a Guinness World Record for being the "most expensive seaweed sold at auction." This seaweed is receiving global attention for its exceptional quality and rarity.
According to Kumamoto TV and Fuji News Network (FNN) on June 18, a set of 100 sheets of Shioya Ichiban seaweed was sold for 120,000 yen (about 1.1 million won) at a bidding event held by the Kumamoto Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative Association in February.
The buyers were three companies: seaweed manufacturer Tsuho, confectionery shop Fuga, and Ariake Seaweed Research Institute. It is reported that they offered the high price to support seaweed producers in the Ariake Sea, who have faced hardships due to three consecutive years of poor harvests. By achieving a high auction price, they aimed to highlight the rarity and quality of Ariake Sea seaweed, elevate the value of the local brand, and establish a sustainable production base.
Guinness World Records subsequently recognized this as the "most expensive seaweed sold at auction" and awarded an official certificate on June 3. Around 20 representatives from the manufacturers and local community attended the ceremony. After receiving the certificate, they stated, "Through Shioya Ichiban, we hope to widely promote the high-quality, delicious seaweed?truly a treasure of the Ariake Sea?both in Japan and internationally."
Shioya Ichiban is a product made exclusively from the first harvest of seaweed collected at the Kawachimachi fishing grounds in Kumamoto City. Only the highest-grade raw seaweed is selected, based on umami flavor, aroma, and soft texture. This seaweed can be purchased at Tsuruya Department Store in Kumamoto City, Fuga, Ariake Seaweed Research Institute’s directly managed stores, and through their online shop.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
