Drive to Uppurui Wind Turbine Park White towers overhead, Uppurui nori in hand

One December morning, I parked at Uppurui Wind Turbine Park and stepped outside. I pulled my pink coat closed and drew my cream scarf close around my neck. The sky was clear, but the air against my cheeks was cold—nothing like the warmth inside the car. It finally sank in that I’d made it to the cape, and I wanted to start with a little walk.

Near the wooden building, a huge white wind-turbine tower rose beyond it. Up close, I couldn’t believe how thick it was. I compared it with the building’s roof and suddenly felt tiny. I straightened up and tilted my head back to look higher still. It was only after getting out of the car and walking over that I could really feel the turbine’s size.

I took out the little packet of Uppurui nori I’d brought with me. Inside the clear packet, the dark nori was stacked in layers. I held it in both hands and stared. A moment ago I’d been looking up at the turbine; now I was completely absorbed in the little packet. The nori gathered from the rocks around here is an Izumo specialty, known for its fragrance. Looking out at the sea made me even more curious about how it smelled.

When I looked up, the Sea of Japan was visible beyond the fence. I looked from the packet in my hands to the sea and remembered hearing that this nori is also used in ozōni at New Year. When I get home, I’d love to sprinkle a little over my ozōni and taste it. Just imagining that made me want something warm to eat. I nestled my cheek into my scarf and looked at the sea once more.

Even after putting the packet away, I kept glancing back at the huge white turbine tower. I was so glad I’d seen it up close today. When I enjoy the nori at home, will I remember the turbine above me and the winter sea? Having something to look forward to after a drive keeps my spirits up all the way home. As I walked back to the car, I found myself thinking about the day I’d make ozōni.