Day: May 20, 2025

A wooden spoon full of green laver powder or aonori.

Aonori: Japan’s Unique Green Laver Seasoning

The ocean weed, aonori, may be simple in appearance, but its distinct properties set it apart from other “sea vegetables”. Unlike more bland ocean plants, its unique color, taste, smell, and texture are used to add flavor to foods. This makes it different from other seaweeds like wakame, which lack a strong flavor and aroma. 

A geigi (geisha) in full makeup in Niigata City.

Niigata City Geigi: The Geisha You May Not Know About!

Kyoto and Tokyo are famous for their geisha. But did you know that geisha also exist outside of these two areas? They cultivated their regional customs and styles far from the imperial capital. One such type of performer was the geigi of Niigata City.