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Wakoen Tea Fields Tour
Ochawari Cocktail Demonstration
Green Tea: Ryokucha Densetsu Kiwami, KAKUHORI Fukamushicha
Matcha: Yūki Matcha (small batch)
Genmaicha: Genmaicha with Matcha (Matchairi Genmaicha)
Houjicha: Ryokucha Densetsu Houjicha Powder
Tea-based Beverages: Arabikicha, TEAƎT series
Tea Cocktails: Ochawari (tea-infused alcoholic beverages)
Wakoen Global, in partnership with the Japan Ochawari Association, is a distinguished Japanese tea producer headquartered in Shibushi, Kagoshima Prefecture. With roots dating back to 1948, Wakoen has become a symbol of premium Japanese tea culture through its vertically integrated production system, international outreach, and innovative Ochawari tea cocktails. The company merges deep agricultural tradition with contemporary beverage innovation, representing a modern approach to the global tea experience.
Founded in the rich tea-growing region of southern Japan, Wakoen has evolved from a regional tea cooperative into a global brand. Under the leadership of Yasuhisa Horiguchi, Wakoen Global now serves both domestic and international markets with premium organic and specialty teas, while also spearheading the Japan Ochawari Association—a movement promoting tea-based alcoholic beverages.
Wakoen is recognized for its commitment to sustainable agriculture, small-batch production, and advanced tea processing techniques, all underlined by a dedication to quality and flavor integrity.
Wakoen's portfolio includes a wide range of traditional and specialty Japanese teas, as well as innovative beverage concepts:
Green Tea (Ryokucha)
Matcha
Genmaicha
Houjicha
Tea-Based Beverages
Ochawari Cocktails
Wakoen stands apart for its integration of traditional tea agriculture with beverage innovation, particularly through its Ochawari initiative. Ochawari, meaning "tea-split cocktails," blends Japanese teas with spirits such as shochu or whiskey, appealing to modern drinkers and bar professionals. This initiative bridges Japan’s deep-rooted tea tradition with global mixology trends.
The company also invests heavily in:
Their approach to product development emphasizes health, culture, and flavor, aligning with wellness trends worldwide.
Although privately held, Wakoen’s export volume has shown annual growth of approximately 15% year-over-year since 2020. The company supplies bulk and packaged teas to clients in:
Estimated revenue is between ¥700 million to ¥1 billion JPY annually (~$5–7 million USD), driven by a mix of domestic sales, ecommerce, and international B2B contracts.
Wakoen controls every stage of its supply chain, from cultivation in Kagoshima’s volcanic soil to in-house processing and direct shipping. Its teas are exported globally, primarily through:
The company offers private labeling and bulk formats for overseas clients and has been featured in international tea trade fairs such as World Tea Expo and BioFach Japan.
Wakoen serves a broad but focused customer base:
Their products resonate with consumers who value traceability, health benefits, and Japanese craftsmanship.
Wakoen's modern processing facility supports HACCP compliance, temperature-controlled storage, and international shipping certifications.
Wakoen prioritizes environmental stewardship and holds multiple industry certifications:
Sustainable farming practices include no-pesticide zones, shade-growing matcha methods, and local resource reuse systems.
“Wakoen’s Kiwami fukamushicha delivers a depth of umami rarely found in commercial tea—true craftsmanship in every cup.” — Tea Master Ayumi S., Tokyo
“Their Ochawari series is a game changer. The cocktails we’ve crafted using Arabikicha concentrate have become signature items.” — Luis M., Mixologist, London
“We partnered with Wakoen for our private label organic matcha in the U.S.—they're reliable, responsive, and the quality is exceptional.” — James T., Specialty Tea Retailer, San Francisco
Wakoen Global and the Japan Ochawari Association exemplify the future of Japanese tea—bridging time-honored cultivation with global beverage trends, sustainability, and high-end culinary integration.
