{"product_id":"gokujo-kontobi-nori-maruyamas-signature-blue-green-blend-5-full-sheets-tsukiji","title":"Gokujo Kontobi Nori | Maruyama's Signature Blue-Green Blend — 5 Full Sheets, Tsukiji","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Nori That Connoisseurs Seek Out\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGokujo Kontobi is Maruyama Nori's benchmark — the sheet against which all other nori is measured. For 170 years, this Tsukiji institution has supplied Japan's finest sushi restaurants, and kontobi is the variety their chefs request by name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaruyama Nori supplies \u003cstrong\u003e60% of Michelin-starred sushi restaurants in Tokyo\u003c\/strong\u003e. The chefs who run these kitchens are among the most demanding nori buyers in the world. Kontobi is what they choose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Kontobi Difference\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKontobi is nori in which rare ao-nori — a distinct blue-green seaweed — grows intermingled with the nori during the December harvest season. The ao-nori cannot be added artificially; it appears naturally in certain harvests and certain conditions, then disappears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat it adds: a pleasantly bitter, aromatic complexity that elevates the nori's base umami into something richer and more distinctive. Japanese nori experts describe it as the flavor of \"the open sea in winter.\" It is the bitterness you taste at the best sushi counters and cannot identify — that is kontobi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClean, deep ocean aroma with a green, herbal undertone. Firm snap with an immediate rush of layered umami. The ao-nori contribution registers as a mild, pleasant bitterness in the mid-palate — sophisticated, not sharp. Long, savory finish. Noticeably different from pure nori.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Enjoy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSushi and hand rolls\u003c\/strong\u003e: The classic application — let the nori soften slightly for maximum aroma\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSide by side tasting\u003c\/strong\u003e: Compare with the Shodai Hikobei to understand how ao-nori grade affects flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOnigiri\u003c\/strong\u003e: Wrap just before eating; the crunch and aroma together make a memorable rice ball\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlone with sake or beer\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tear and taste directly — a revelation for anyone accustomed to standard nori\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContents\u003c\/strong\u003e: 5 full-size sheets (Approx. 21cm x 19cm, 8.3 in. × 7.5 in.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade\u003c\/strong\u003e: Gokujo, Kontobi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e: Kyushu \/ Ariake Sea region, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e: Maruyama Nori (丸山海苔店), est. 1854, Tsukiji, Tokyo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUsed by\u003c\/strong\u003e: 60% of Michelin-starred sushi restaurants in Tokyo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIngredients\u003c\/strong\u003e: 100% Dried Seaweed (Nori)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest Before\u003c\/strong\u003e: Please check packaging; store in cool, dry place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✈️ Ships from Japan ·Order more, pay less per item. \u003cbr\u003eTsukiji, est. 1854 · The nori Michelin sushi chefs choose\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maruyama Nori (丸山海苔店)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48687581298923,"sku":"MARUYAMA-GOKUJO-KONTOBI-5PC","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0731\/2520\/0107\/files\/2026-06-03124618.png?v=1780458712","url":"https:\/\/cookgood.jp\/products\/gokujo-kontobi-nori-maruyamas-signature-blue-green-blend-5-full-sheets-tsukiji","provider":"CookGood.JP","version":"1.0","type":"link"}