How This Tea Company Connects Small Japanese Producers With Drinkers Worldwide

Japanese tea is more than just a beverage. It’s a tradition deeply intertwined with Japan’s history, aesthetics, and way of life. For centuries, artisans have refined the process of cultivating, harvesting, and preparing tea, transforming it into a cultural experience far beyond a simple drink.

Among Japan’s most dedicated tea producers, Honda Mohei from Mohei Tea stands as a guardian of this legacy. Rooted in the tea-rich region of Shizuoka, Mohei continues the expertise of generations past, balancing traditional techniques with modern innovation.

In this deep dive, we explore the art of Japanese tea-making, the philosophy behind its careful cultivation, and how Mohei Tea is helping preserve and share this tradition with the world.

Note: This is a sponsored article.

The heritage of Japanese tea

Tea arrived in Japan over 1,000 years ago, introduced by Buddhist monks who sought its calming and meditative properties. By the Edo period, tea had become a central part of Japanese culture, shaping everything from the chanoyu (茶の湯, tea ceremony) to the everyday practice of brewing Sencha (煎茶, Same tea leaves as Matcha) at home. 

Unlike the robust black teas of the West, Japanese green tea developed into a delicate, umami-rich beverage celebrated for its refined flavors and health benefits.

Among the most famous tea-producing regions in Japan, Shizuoka holds a special place. Responsible for over 40% of Japan’s green tea production, this region boasts volcanic soil, pristine water sources, and the ideal climate for growing exceptional tea. The careful cultivation techniques perfected in Shizuoka are now recognized worldwide as the gold standard for high-quality Sencha (煎茶), Gyokuro（玉露）, and Matcha (抹茶).

Building on this, another defining aspect of Shizuoka’s tea heritage is the expertise of its producers and tea masters, whose dedication to innovation and craftsmanship has helped shape modern Japanese tea culture. While the region is steeped in tradition, it is also known for embracing new techniques to enhance both flavor complexity and sustainability.

As interest in authentic, high-quality Japanese green tea continues to grow worldwide, Shizuoka remains at the forefront of both tradition and innovation. By supporting sustainable farming practices and encouraging the next generation of tea makers, this region ensures that the centuries-old artistry of Japanese tea will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Keeping tradition alive

In recent years, many traditional arts and businesses in Japan have struggled to keep their practices alive. Similarly, Japan’s local tea producers are facing an unprecedented crisis, one that threatens both the future of traditional tea farming and its centuries-old heritage.

As younger generations shift toward coffee, bottled beverages, and modern alternatives, domestic tea consumption has steadily declined. Coupled with an aging farming population, rising production costs, and labor shortages, this has led to a sharp decline in active tea producers, forcing many small-scale farmers to abandon their fields.

Despite Japan’s reputation for high-quality green tea, export markets remain underdeveloped, leaving artisanal producers struggling to compete with mass-produced, lower-cost alternatives. Without intervention—through direct-to-consumer trade, sustainable business models, and increased global awareness—many of Japan’s most skilled tea makers risk disappearing, taking with them centuries of craftsmanship and tradition.

Preserving the Japanese tea culture: What’s special about Mohei Tea 

Led by their 5th Generation Tea Master Honda Mohei, Mohei Tea is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Japan’s rich tea culture. Mohei not only produces exceptional tea. It brings local producers’ craftsmanship to a global audience. 

Mohei Tea works closely with local tea producers who uphold time-honored traditions and push the boundaries of Japanese tea-making. It curates teas directly from small-scale, expert producers, ensuring that each cup reflects the terroir, craftsmanship, and passion of its origin.

Whether it’s a rare single-origin Sencha, a meticulously aged Kamairi-cha, or an artisanally crafted Gyokuro, their mission is to preserve the art of Japanese tea while sharing it with the world.

“Tea is not merely grown—it is nurtured”; the journey from leaf to cup is one of meticulous care, where each step enhances the final flavor.

Mohei Tea embraces this philosophy by maintaining traditional production methods passed down for generations while adhering to advanced machinery. It’s an approach that ensures only the most tender and robust leaves are selected, preserving the delicate flavors that define authentic Japanese tea.

Once harvested, the leaves undergo precise steaming, rolling, and drying methods designed to lock in their vibrant color, aroma, and umami depth. This attention to detail ensures that each cup of tea tells a story of expertise, patience, and respect for nature.

See the full production process from our fields in this YouTube video.

Experiencing Japanese tea the right way

To truly appreciate Japanese tea, one must brew it with care. Many first-time drinkers unknowingly use water that is too hot, leading to bitterness. Instead, brewing Japanese green tea requires precision and attention to detail. Here are the fundamentals:

Brewing Sencha – The Everyday Green Tea

• Water Temperature: 70-80°C (158-176°F) – You can hold the cup for a few seconds
• Steeping Time: 1-2 minutes
• Flavor Profile: Refreshing, slightly sweet, balanced umami

Brewing Gyokuro – The Luxury Shade-Grown Tea

• Water Temperature: 50-60°C (122-140°F) – Warm enough to hold comfortably
• Steeping Time: 2-3 minutes
• Flavor Profile: Deep umami, thick mouthfeel, natural sweetness

Brewing Hojicha – The Roasted Comfort Tea

• Water Temperature: 90-100°C (194-212°F) – Right after it’s boiled
• Steeping Time: 30 seconds – 1 minute
• Flavor Profile: Toasty, caramelized, smooth

By following these brewing techniques, you can enjoy Japanese tea as it was meant to be experienced—layered, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

An invitation to authenticity

For those seeking an authentic Japanese tea experience, Mohei Tea provides a window into the centuries-old mastery of Japanese tea-making. Their dedication to tradition, expertise, and innovation makes them a valuable ambassador for Japan’s rich tea culture.

If you want to learn more about Mohei Tea and its founder, Honda Mohei, you can watch the documentary The Tea Master on Arte. It’s available for free streaming until May 10th, 2025.

As a special invitation for Unseen Japan readers, Mohei Tea offers an exclusive discount code to experience their teas firsthand. (Affiliate link; the discount should be included when you make a purchase – if not, use code UJ10OFF at checkout.) Whether you’re new to Japanese tea or a seasoned connoisseur, this is an opportunity to enjoy tea that’s as steeped in tradition as it is in flavor.