Hi everyone, it’s Coco!
Today, I want to share a story about history, family, and a challenge that many in the tea world thought was impossible: creating world-class Matcha that is 100% Organic.
The Matcha I bring to you is crafted by Nishi Seichakujo in Kirishima, Kagoshima—a family business spanning three generations since 1954. Bypassing the mass market, they have worked one-on-one with trusted partners since the grandfather's era, ensuring a legacy of transparency and trust.
1. Defying the "Common Sense" of Tea
In the world of tea, there is a long-held belief: "It is nearly impossible to produce high-quality Matcha organically." To create the deep umami flavor of Matcha, the tea leaves must be shaded from sunlight before harvest. This process, however, puts immense stress on the plants, weakening them significantly. In organic farming—where you cannot rely on quick-fix chemical fertilizers—it is incredibly difficult to help the plants recover from this "burden." Most organic Matcha ends up lacking depth or color. But the Nishi family refused to accept this "shackle," using science and 40 years of grit to prove the world wrong.
2. The Philosophy of "Letting Trees be Trees"
While most tea gardens are kept small, Nishi-san believes "a tea bush should grow like a tree." He lets the young plants grow freely for several years without pruning. This allows the trunks to grow thick and sturdy, developing a powerful vitality that can withstand the intense stress of shading. By raising the bushes as true "trees," they gain the natural strength required to produce rich, amino-acid-packed leaves without any chemical assistance.
3. "Microorganism Farming": The 5-Year Secret
Their organic method is truly "microorganism farming." They create a specialized compost using ingredients like bamboo and mushroom logs, maturing it for 4 to 5 years. This creates a soil so nutrient-rich that Nishi-san says "the soil is hungry to be eaten." This "living soil" provides the plants with the constant, natural energy they need to thrive under pressure, resulting in the silky sweetness of our "Jitsuri" Matcha.
4. A Legacy of Sincerity Across Generations
This journey started with the second generation, Yoshimi Nishi, who personally cleared the rugged mountains of Kirishima with heavy machinery over 40 years. Today, Toshimi Nishi carries on that torch, striving to build a company that "no one could ever point a finger at." It’s a mission of absolute honesty, producing tea that respects both the human body and the environment.
When you sip this Matcha, you are tasting more than just tea—you are tasting 40 years of family dedication and a breakthrough in organic farming.
We strive to meet the individual needs of every customer. If you have any inquiries or specific requests, please feel free to reach out via our [Contact] page. I look forward to connecting with you personally!