Sea Vegetable launches seaweed ochazuke with tea at Muji stores

Sea Vegetable Company, a company specialising in seaweed cultivation, has launched a new line of ochazuke seasoning that combines its signature seaweed with naturally grown tea. The products are available at select Muji stores in the Kansai and Tokyo regions.

The new range was developed in collaboration with Ken-ichi Natural Farm, which provided naturally grown tea from the Yamato Highlands in Nara, and Tasty Co., a manufacturer of dashi packs for restaurants. The partnership has resulted in two distinct ochazuke products: one featuring matcha and the other hojicha (roasted green tea).

Both products use Sea Vegetable’s aromatic suji-aonori seaweed, blended with tea grown without any pesticides or fertilisers. The seasonings, which include rice crackers for texture, are designed to be versatile and can be served with hot or cold water over rice.

Sea Vegetable Company researches seaweed, which is currently declining due to saltburn. It is reviving seaweed through cultivation on land and at sea with reduced environmental impact. It has won an award in crQlr Awards 2023 for its circular methods and blue carbon capture.

Chihiro Teramatsu, a manager at Sea Vegetable, explained the inspiration behind the collaboration. “Through our sales activities, many people told us our suji-aonori has a tea-like aroma, and I felt a natural affinity between them,” she said. “I had hoped to one day work with Ken-ichi Natural Farm after visiting and seeing the depth of the tea world, so I am truly happy that this product has come to fruition. Tasty Co. tested many tea varieties and blends to create a unique flavour. I hope everyone enjoys the harmony of aromas created by Japan’s sea and mountains.”

The launch will be part of a “Sea Vegetable Fair” held at five Muji locations: Grand Front Osaka, Aeon Mall Kashihara, Aeon Mall Sakai Kitahanada, Kyoto Yamashina, and the Ginza flagship store in Tokyo. This expands on previous successful events Sea Vegetable has held at Muji stores. Some locations will feature displays with water tanks to create an immersive marine atmosphere for shoppers.