We have been receiving many calls and emails asking whether our families and friends are affected by Japan’s massive earthquake and tsunami. Fortunately, all of our loved ones are safe and fine. We want to express our gratitude for your support and prayers.
There are a tremendous number of people who are suffering from this disaster. Our heart goes out to all those in the hardest hit region of Japan.
We will be donating 10 % of online sales to Red Cross for Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief through April 30th.
International Restaurant & Foodservice Show (IRFS) was held from Feb. 27 to Mar. 1 at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, and Japan Pavilion turned out to be a great success. I believe Japan Pavilion was the most crowded area at the show. There were many companies came from Japan, and they brought very unique and Japan-taste products to the pavilion. If you are Japanese mania and missed this show, you were very sorry.
Among many Japanese companies, my favorite was Cutler Sanshu of Seki City, the traditional knifes maker from Gifu prefecture (their Japanese website). They exhibited Japanese traditional cooking knives as well as traditional sword called "Katana." I was very impressed with them because it was my 1st time to see the real Katana. Most interestingly, Mr. Yoshida, the president of the company, gave a demonstration of "IAI GIRI (居合斬り)" which was traditional cutting technique using Katana. During the demonstration, his body moved smoothly and quickly, and with just single swing, bamboo was cut by half and the cut edge was clean and beautiful. It was really impressive. There was no question that his demonstration made Japan Pavilion more and more crowded.
This was our 2nd time to join the IRFS and was great chance to meet potential customers in East Coast. The 1st day was really busy, and we served more than 700 cups of tea samples! From the 2nd day, people settled down, and we had a chance to talk with customers at an easy pace. Overall, the show was great success for us.
During the show, we showcased our brand new product called "Drip Tea" and did some market research. The filter of Drip Tea was uniquely developed to control the dripping speed, and we can make the perfect cup of tea just by pouring hot water into the filter. We were still in the developing stage, but in the future, we will start marketing the Drip Tea to American market.
According to studies conducted by local hospitals, universities and national research agencies, Kakegawa city in Shizuoka prefecture has the lowest rate. What’s more interesting is that 7 out of top 15 cities of low cancer mortality rate in Japan are green tea regions. Scientists believe that catechin (antioxidant)in green tea plays a key role in low cancer mortality, and Fukamushi (deep-steamed) green tea grabbed the spotlight because Kakegawa residents drink Fukamushi green tea like water.
Fukamushi (deep-steamed) green tea has fine particles because long steaming process breaks up green tea leaves. If you have ever tried Fukamushi green tea, you must have noticed tiny particles floating in your cup. Scientists found that those particles contain great components such as β-carotene, vitamin E and chlorophyll that are not found in non-fukamushi green tea.
SÁ Japanese Green Tea is blended with Fukamushi green Tea from Kakegawa city.
We are pleased to announce that we now have premium Matcha powder available at our online store.
Matcha powder is traditionally used for Japanese tea ceremony, but you can use it as a healthy ingredient for your food and beverage.
Matcha is made from Tencha. Tencha is shaded green tea specially produced for Matcha. After harvest, Tencha is de-veined, de-stemmed, and stone-ground to make Matcha. It gives fantastic fragrance, color and smoothness. What's best about Matcha is that you are taking the whole benefit of green tea.
Happy New Year! January is National Hot Tea Month. We are offering bulk size loose leaf for a special price. Choose from our eight flavors. This is a great offer and it won't happen often, so don't miss this opportunity! Sale ends January 31.
Sen Cha Fukamushi Net Weight: 500g (1.1 lbs)
Now $45.00!
This is our signature Sen Cha. “Fukamushi,” refers to the deeper (longer) steaming process after the harvest. This extra steaming-time results in fine leaves and a taste that is richer and more full-bodied than regular Sen Cha. Depending on steeping conditions, it has a bit of sweetness and outstanding fragrance.
Sen Cha Chumushi Net Weight: 500g (1.1 lbs)
Now $45.00!
Our Sen Cha Chumushi is made of selected tea leaves grown on verdant mountain slopes. The steaming process is shorter than our signature Sen Cha giving the tea a bold taste with a sweet aftertaste and a remarkable fragrance. This tea has been sought after by the people of Japan for over three centuries.
Kuki Cha Net Weight: 500g (1.1 lbs)
Now $40.50!
Kuki Cha is made of young tea stems that are separated during Sen Cha production. Stems have natural sweetness and a very unique flavor. Kuki Cha is loved by many tea drinkers in Japan because of its exceptional flavor.
Hoji Cha Net Weight: 220g (7.7 oz)
Now $31.50!
Hoji Cha is roasted green tea. Many companies use Ban Cha to make Hoji Cha. Instead, our Hoji Cha is made by using roasted Kuki Cha. The tea’s pleasing flavor, golden brown color and low caffeine content make it appealing to tea drinkers of all ages.
Ban Cha Net Weight: 500g (1.1 lbs)
Now $27.00! Ban Cha is made of large and thick leaves harvested in autumn. The light and refreshing taste bears a hint of a bite. Compared to Sen Cha, Ban Cha has a robust flavor with vivid yellow color. Leaves harvested after summer usually contain more catechin, the antioxidant properties.
Kona Cha Net Weight: 500g (1.1 lbs)
Now $31.50! Kona Cha is composed of small fragments of Sen Cha leaves. The taste is similar to Sen Cha but much thicker and more full-bodied. Traditionally, Kona Cha is known as the tea of sushi restaurants called "Agari".
Genmai Cha (without Matcha) Net Weight: 500g (1.1 lbs)
Now $36.00!
An aromatic rich blend of tea leaves and brown rice, which adds a nutty fragrance. Genmai Cha is a delightfully flavorful green tea and is one of Japan's most popular.
Genmai Cha with Matcha Net Weight: 500g (1.1 lbs)
Now $40.50! Special blend of Genmai Cha and stone-milled Matcha (powdered green tea for traditional tea ceremony). Matcha gives smooth body and vivid green color. Our Best-seller.
Born July 28, 1980 as a 2nd son of Japanese tea master, Hiroyuki Sugimoto. He dreamed of being a teacher until he visited Seattle with his father at 22. During the trip, he was shocked to realize that the green tea he took for granted in Japan was nowhere to be found. This radically changed his awareness of the importance of quality green tea that is not only good for you, but also heartedly enjoyed. Back in Japan he jumped into the family business and acquired green tea expertise through the working experience in his father’s factory. His father trained him to taste a variety of green teas and developed his sense of taste. In 2008 he was certified as Japanese Tea Adviser and now with his father, introduces authentic Japanese green tea to American consumers as an element of a quality lifestyle.
