JAPAN

THE ORIGIN:

Japan is famous throughout the world for its rich history and tea culture, particularly for green teas like sencha, gyokuro, and matcha. Some of the world's oldest and most continuous tea traditions are here, and many families have been farming for generations. 

Japan is one origin where tradition and technology truly intersect, resulting in both good and bad consequences for the industry. Mechanized, mass-produced tea for ready-to-drink bottles now dominates the Japanese tea market, unfortunately. However, there are still some small family farms that leverage technology to remain competitive in the market, while preserving the true traditions of teamaking. 

THE GROWERS: 

Naturalitea/The Kinezuka Family in Shizuoka, Japan

The Kinezuka Family is one of Japan's pioneering families for all-natural agriculture. Toshiaki Kinezuka, the father of the family, decided 38 years ago that he would start tea farming with no chemicals or pesticides whatsoever. His choice has resulted in a family whose tea tradition unites people, agriculture, and the environment; the farm is now led by his eldest daughter, Ayumi.

The small family farm is located in the mountains near Fujieda City, Japan, and when the tea plants are dormant in the winter, the family turns to their mikan (tangerine) farm. They focus on local, fresh ingredients for their lifestyle, and have inspired other farmers to try more sustainable forms of agriculture.      

>> Learn more about The Kinezuka Family.

Leaf Co., Shizuoka, Japan - Solar-panel shaded Matcha

Kunikazu Mochitani, nominated for a 2018 World Tea Award for Best Sustainability Intiative is the leader of Leaf Co. He has been working with Tealet to empower tea growers in Shizuoka, Japan to convert their low profit margin Yabukita cultivars for matcha cultivars that are shaded with solar arrays and bring a higher value to the farmer. Learn about the supply chain of matcha and connect with young tea growers that are working towards a cleaner future.

>> Learn more about Leaf CO.

The Kurihara Family in Yame, Japan

The Kurihara Family specializes in gyokuro, a shaded green tea, and is nationally-awarded for their mastery of this particular tea. Located at one of the highest tea-growing areas in Japan (elevation 680m), the Kurihara Family's gardens experience extremes of temperature, and abundant rainfall. The quality leaf material, combined with their experience and attention to detail in tea crafting, yields teas of exceptional richness and flavor.   

>> Learn more about the Kurihara Family.

THE EXPERIENCE:

The Japan segment reflects the intersection between modern, 21st century life, and a centuries-old tradition of tea. Enjoy the bustling, colorful experiences of Japan's cities and towns, while visiting family gardens and small villages just a few hours away with the backdrop of Japan's beautiful landscape. 

Learn more about the Japanese tea industry and the challenges faced by small tea farmers, in the face of an increasingly commoditized market. See how Japanese tea farmers and tea aficionados are trying to preserve their traditions, while also adapting to new conditions and leveraging technology for their success.

See how tea interacts with modern society and the environment, and discuss issues of market factors, ethical practices, and sustainable agriculture. Learn about quality Japanese tea from the people who craft it, from leaf to cup, and how different styles and personalities in crafting can affect the final profile of the tea.  

The Kinezuka Family's Genmaicha.

>> Back to The Amazing Tea Race.