Where is MIYAZAKI
Miyazaki Prefecture is actually one of the big producers of Tencha in Japan.
Miyakonojo has the largest area of tea cultivation in the prefecture with a history of over 260 years. The region has received numerous honors, including the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award. Miyakonojo is siutated in a basin surrounded by mountains and shrouded in deep fog. The warm climate of southern Kyushu and the nickname "Kirishima", meaning "misty island" in Japanese, make it one of the best tea growing areas in Japan.
Hiroyuki Sakamoto
Hiroyuki Sakamoto is the owner of green tea cafe, Hyuga-Jikan, in Miyazaki. Sakamoto san has been working as a tea wholesaler in his family business for over 20 years. As a tea wholesaler, its his job to rigorously examine and evaluate crude tea using all five senses, appearance, aroma, taste, and touch, to determine its quality. He is an expert of teas and supporter of mika's direction.
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Tea is transported from tea farmers to markets in a pre-finished state called ARACHA (mainly a single variety, with stems, powder, and leaves of different sizes).
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ARACHA is examined and evaluated in granular detail to determine its quality. After that, the tea is sorted into types, such as leaves, stems, and powders. Then the tea is heated to the appropriate degree.
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The taste and aroma of a single variety will vary considerably. They search for varieties that complement each other to create blends of superior balance and quality. They continue to provide the same level of delicious tea every year.
