Today's Close-Up S2025E40 - Seaweed Power: Harnessing the Ocean's Hidden Potential

Seaweed has long been a staple of Japanese cuisine. Recently, its nutritional value has made it popular overseas. Seaweed products now line the shelves of supermarkets across the United States. It's also being used in beauty products and even as a crucial tool in the fight against global warming. With more types of seaweed growing in its waters than any other country in the world, Japan is well-placed to take advantage of this seaweed boom. But it's only sixth in seaweed production, lagging far behind some of its Asian neighbors. We examine efforts across the country to tap into this underused resource and speak to experts about future possibilities. 

Guests:
Masu Taichi (Assistant Professor, Harris Science Research Institute, Doshisha University) 
Watanabe Atsushi (Director, Ocean Vision and Action Division, Ocean Policy Research Institute, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation)