Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Shizuoka, located at the heart of Japan’s green tea culture, is recognized as the Tea Capital of Japan—a title earned through centuries of cultivation, innovation, and tradition. As a regional identity underpinned by both cultural legacy and agricultural excellence, Tea Capital Shizuoka represents not a single company but a unified promotional initiative led by the Shizuoka Prefecture, aiming to bring global attention to its tea industry, experiences, and heritage.

History and Heritage

Shizuoka's tea legacy dates back over 800 years, originating during the Kamakura period when monk Shoichi Kokushi planted tea seeds in the region. By the Edo era, Shizuoka had become a core production area. In the modern era, its industry was revolutionized post-Meiji Restoration, with large-scale export to the United States and Europe starting in the 19th century.

Today, Shizuoka accounts for approximately 40% of Japan's total green tea production, making it the largest tea-producing region in the country.

Core Business and Offerings

Tea Capital Shizuoka serves as the regional identity for promoting Shizuoka Prefecture's robust tea sector, offering:

• Green Tea Products: Sencha, Fukamushi Sencha, Gyokuro, Hojicha, Matcha.
• Tea-related Experiences: Guided tea picking, traditional tea ceremony participation, factory tours, and tastings.
• Cultural Infrastructure: Museums (e.g., Shizuoka Tea Museum), tea-themed festivals, and specialty tea farm tours.

The initiative connects producers, tourism operators, and cultural institutions, enhancing visibility of local SMEs and co-ops involved in tea production and distribution.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

• Geographical Advantages: Fertile volcanic soil, ideal climate, and pure water from Mt. Fuji foothills ensure exceptional tea quality.
• Processing Techniques: Shizuoka is the origin of Fukamushi Sencha, a deep-steamed tea variant known for rich umami and reduced bitterness.
• Diversity and Scale: More than 20 tea cultivars are grown in the region across 17 cities and towns.

Financial and Economic Impact

• Annual Tea Output: Approximately 25,000 tons of green tea (data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan).
• Export Markets: USA, Taiwan, Germany, France, and Singapore.
• Export Value: Japan’s green tea export value crossed ¥20 billion in 2023, with Shizuoka contributing over 55% of that total.

Shipment Records

Based on ImportYeti and trade database insights, Shizuoka-based tea cooperatives and companies have shipped:

• More than 2,100 international consignments in the past 3 years
• Top importers: Ito En North America, O-Cha.com, and Den’s Tea USA
• Key ports: Los Angeles, Seattle, Rotterdam, and Busan

Target Market

The initiative targets:

• Tea Importers and Distributors seeking authentic Japanese green tea
• Luxury Food & Beverage Retailers interested in premium tea lines
• Cultural Tourism Operators focused on Japanese heritage experiences
• Health & Wellness Brands seeking antioxidant-rich, natural tea ingredients

Capabilities and Reach

• Processing Facilities: Over 300 certified tea factories in the prefecture
• Tourism Infrastructure: Over 120 tea-related experiential programs for international visitors
• Educational Tie-ups: Collaborations with Shizuoka University for tea science and product development

Certifications and Compliance

• JAS Organic Certification: Multiple Shizuoka producers are certified under Japanese Agricultural Standards
• Global GAP Certification: Adopted by larger exporters for safety and traceability
• ISO 22000: Food safety compliance for key processing plants

Customer Testimonials

“Visiting Shizuoka gave us insight into the true craft of Japanese green tea. The experience was unmatched, and we now import directly from producers we met during the tour.”
— John K., Import Manager, ZenTea Distributors (USA)

“Our clients in Europe value the depth of flavor and authenticity in Shizuoka Matcha. It’s a premium product with consistent quality.”
— Anita P., Founder, Leaf & Aroma (Germany)

Major Achievements

• Featured at World Tea Expo (USA) and Salon du Thé (France)
• Recognized by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) as a Top Cultural Destination
• Hosted over 180,000 international visitors through tea tourism programs since 2018
• Won the Monde Selection Gold Award for multiple green tea products in 2022 and 2023

Through an integrated approach combining agriculture, tourism, and international trade, Tea Capital Shizuoka continues to champion Japan’s finest tea traditions on the global stage.