Tea in Japan

Before we discuss the actual situation, please allow me to quote from a June 2025 report from Kyoto Tea Industry Chamber of Commerce:

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“Despite expectations for increased production due to ongoing shortages, both Uji tencha* and Shocha tencha saw declines, reaching only 60% and 82% of the previous year’s volumes, respectively.

Rolled teas also decreased significantly as production shifted to tencha: Gyokuro and sencha fell by more than 30%; Kabusecha and karinaoshi fell to below 50%…

Trading price comparison (this year compared to 2024):

• Uji Tencha 216%
• Shocha Tencha 269%
• Hand-picked Gyokuro 151%
• Gyokuro 154%
• Kabusecha 128%…”

(English translation of 緊急報告令和7年京都府産新茶の状況について 令和7年6月 公益社団法人京都府茶業会議所 全農京都府本部茶業市場課 — Urgent Report: Situation of First Flush Tea in Kyoto Prefecture, 2025, Kyoto Tea Industry Chamber of Commerce, Zen-Noh Kyoto Headquarters, Tea Market Section)

*note: Various types of tencha are the raw materials for producing matcha
Kyoto is worst but situations in other Japan tea regions are not good either, some almost as bad.

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While we understand that the raw material prices have so dramatically risen, we had no idea how much the price of the finished products will be raised. We have been waiting for our producers for their decisions.

Until yesterday.

The next batches of tea from Japan will be at very different prices

Matcha will be doubled in price, they said.

That for other teas varies, not as horrifying, but still a dramatic hike. We shall absorb some, but to make our business workable, we will have to raise the price across the board in our Japanese collection.

We shall also extend our source from other less affected areas in Japan, so you will have a choice.

Another alternative could be to source “Japanese tea” from China, like many other shops are doing. They are much cheaper too. Although we have been constantly approached for such sources, I think this is against my beliefs and principle.
Furthermore, from my tasting experience and visits to such “Japanese tea farms” in China, I have concluded that China is much, much better in Chinese teas.

If you have been getting Japanese teas from us, I understand that this price hike will be a shock to you too. We shall hold the current price online until the current batch is depleted.

Hope that helps.

See our Japanese line here»