Our farmers

Introduction

Sharing the essence of Japanese tea with the world

At TAMAKI TEA, we collaborate with traditional and passionate tea farmers across Japan to bring the finest green teas (matcha and sencha) to France and Europe.

We select our partners based on precise criteria:

  • A tradition rooted in Japanese tea culture
  • A commitment to organic farming
  • Recognized expertise in the art of tea blending

Currently, we work primarily with farmers in the Shizuoka and Kagoshima regions, two iconic Japanese terroirs, each with its own unique characteristics.

Our tea regions

Discover the origins of our teas

At TAMAKI TEA, our teas currently come from two main regions:

  • Shizuoka
  • Kagoshima

These two prefectures are the first and second largest tea-producing regions in Japan. They offer ideal conditions for tea cultivation, thanks to their climate, geography, and traditional farming techniques.

However, their soils and environments differ, which gives their teas unique flavors. Much like the concept of terroir in the world of wine, these geological and climatic differences directly influence the taste and characteristics of each tea.

Shizuoka teas

  • Climate and geography:

    With its mild climate, abundant sunshine, and the influence of sea breezes, Shizuoka offers ideal conditions for tea cultivation. In mountainous areas, morning mists enrich the flavor and aroma of the tea leaves.

  • Features:

    Shizuoka teas are distinguished by their fresh aroma and slight astringency, offering a balanced experience. The senchas and deep-steamed teas (fukamushi) are particularly prized.

  • Tradition:

    Shizuoka producers perpetuate artisanal techniques passed down through generations, ensuring exceptional quality.

Kagoshima teas

  • Climate and geography:

    Volcanic soils (shirasu) combined with a hot and humid climate produce teas with complex aromas and a rich umami flavor.

  • Features:

    Kagoshima teas are distinguished by their natural sweetness and pronounced flavor. In addition to sencha and matcha, Kagoshima is also known for its roasted teas (hojicha) and brown rice teas (genmaicha).

  • Tradition:

    Many young farmers in Kagoshima are incorporating modern techniques while respecting tradition, thereby creating teas suited to contemporary palates.