Meet the Maker: Kagoshima Seicha

Jul 15, 2019by Julia LiMarzi

KAGOSHIMA SEICHA

Established in 1881

Located in Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima Seicha's long history has led to excellence. The company began in 1881 in Kagoshima, already known for its quality teas, and called the store "Birouen," meaning beauty and longevity. In 1947 Birouen became Kagoshima Seicha, but the old Birouen name continues to live on in Kagoshima Seicha's storefronts throughout Kyushu while Kagoshima Seicha continues to sell high-quality teas to local businesses (and us!).

Though Kagoshima Seicha has no fields of its own,

they work closely with local Kagoshima tea farmers to source only the best raw ingredients for their tea. These relationships have been built over the course of generations, which resulted in true partnership between the farmers and Kagoshima Seicha. Together they work to produce the best leaves and to improve quality and safety, and they host annual seminars to promote this goal. Many of the farmers they work with grow organically, and all go through strict quality checks to ensure delicious tea every time.

From fresh leaves, Kagoshima Seicha creates the finished tea to be sold under either the Birouen, Kagoshima Seicha, or Satsumarche label. They employ chashi, tea-masters, who assess the leaves, consider the season and weather, and determine how best to bring out the natural flavors of the tea that day. To create a consistently excellent product, the masters will blend various batches to create the exact scent and flavor they're searching for.

Chashi creating custom tea blends

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their motto is 誠実奉仕 (seijitsu houshi) meaning "Sincere Service"

Kagoshima Seicha is more than just a business though and cares deeply about its role in the community. Beyond partnering with local tea farmers and fostering a sustainable partnership, their motto is 誠実奉仕 (seijitsu houshi) meaning "Sincere Service". As part of their community engagement, they host tea-picking tours and brewing classes. If you're ever in Kagoshima, go check it out!