Senmaizuke (Japanese Pickled Turnip)

Ingredients

• 1 lb Japanese turnips (kabu) (I use regular turnips)
• 5 tsp kosher/sea salt (I use Diamond Crystal; use half for table salt) (3% of the turnip weight; 13.5 g)
• 1 piece kombu (dried kelp) (4" x 4" or 10 x 10 cm)
• 1 dried red chili pepper
• 1 cup rice vinegar
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp kosher/sea salt (I use Diamond Crystal; use half for table salt)