[Shiroishi Town, Saga Prefecture] Saga Nori Returns to Japan's No.1 Spot, Special Feature Published on Furusato Nozei Sites

In May 2026, Saga Nori regained its position as number one in both sales volume and revenue for the first time in four years. In response, Shiroishi Town, Saga Prefecture, a major production site for the seaweed, has launched a 'Saga Nori Special Feature' on Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) portals to promote the charm of the nori cultivated with great care by local fishermen.

The Ariake Sea Environment Creates Deliciousness Why is Saga's nori so delicious? The secret lies in the unique natural environment of the Ariake Sea. The most distinctive feature is the tidal range, which can reach up to 6 meters. At high tide, the seaweed absorbs nutrients from the sea, and at low tide, exposure to sunlight promotes photosynthesis, increasing amino acids that provide umami. Additionally, mineral-rich freshwater flows into the northern part of the Ariake Sea, mixing with the seawater. These combined conditions create the melt-in-the-mouth texture of Saga Nori.

The Charm of Shiroishi Town: Fishermen Who Do It All While seaweed production is typically split between fishermen, cooperatives, and processors, some fishermen in Shiroishi Town manage the entire process themselves. By taking charge from entering the sea to the final processing stage, they ensure that the best seaweed is delivered in its optimal state.

Product Lineup The special feature includes products from the following producers: - Matsuo Suisan (First-harvest nori / Roasted and Salted) - Kishikawa Shoten (First-harvest 'Maru' grade Salted nori) - Saga Ariake Sea Fisheries Cooperative, Shiroishi Branch (Sets of roasted, seasoned, and salted nori) Donations start from 8,000 yen.

About Shiroishi Town Located in the southwestern part of Saga Prefecture, Shiroishi Town is surrounded by rich nature. Its specialty crops, onions and lotus roots, boast the highest production volumes in Saga Prefecture.