NAKAYAMA KOSUKE

A Well-Known Figure In Higashi-Sonogi

 
 


 

The tea factory of Nakayama family has been in operations for 70 years in Higashi Sonogi. Their tea fields cover about 600 ha. The Nakayama family is strongly committed in favor of practicing an environment-friendly agriculture.

To preserve their land and its soil, they use only organic fertilizers that they prepare themselves. To fight against a failing domestic demand for green tea, the Nakayama family works hard to improve communication and build partnerships with other tea farmers as well as actors in other industries.

They organize regularly workshops about green tea and wish to make their area better known overseas.

AWARDS

Nakayama san's tea won the Award of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

 
 
 
 

TAMARYOKUCHA

Another Tea Specialty From Kyushu

Tamaryokucha ("coiled tea") is another specialty of Kyushu. It is a high grade green tea, very close to sencha, and is also commonly known as guricha("curly tea").

It has a tangy, berry-like taste, with a long almondy aftertaste and a deep aroma with tones of citrus, grass, and berries.

The leaves are then rolled into "comma" shapes (instead of being kneaded into "needle" shapes, like for sencha). The tea is golden yellow and can be reinfused, with a slightly different taste.

Higashi sonogi is a region specialized in this tea, which is produced by steaming the youngest leaves after the harvest.

THE HIGASHI-SONOGI REGION

Over 500 Years Of Tea History

Higashi  Sonogi has a long history of growing tea that stretches back over 500 years. In the Edo period (17th Century), Lord Omura organized the cultivation of tea fields, laying the groundwork for today’s industry.

This  tea was first brought to the outside world in the mid-19th Century by a woman  merchant, Oura Kei of Nagasaki, who was able to export the tea with the help  of a British trader. 

Higashi Sonogi is the largest producer of tea in Nagasaki. 

The rows of stone terraces built by early farmers for growing  tea combined with the views of Omura Bay create a breathtaking, uniquely Japanese landscape.

The  produce of the land, including tea, oranges, rice, and vegetables has been  tended by generations of the same families.

Nakao  Village in Higashi Sonogi  is a rural tea-farming community. The land of Nakao Village is located in a belt of hills which  were created by volcanic activity long ago. It is at an elevation of around  250 meters, with Omura Bay to the southwest, Mount Kokuzo to the north, and  Mount Tara to the south. 

The valley in which the villagers reside was cut  into this rock by the Sonogi River. The foothills of the mountains are often  shrouded in fog, with warm afternoons and cool nights, which is perfect for growing tea.

THE TEAS OF NAKAYAMA SAN

Like Opening A Bag Of Fruits

The leaves of “Sonogi Tea” are kept whole and rolled to gather up each leaf. This process, which makes a type of tea called “Tamaryokucha (Steamed Rolled Tea)”, borrows from traditional tea roasting methods which came to Japan from China and Korea. This method reduces the bitterness of the tea leaves for a smoother finish. 

Young tea leaves prepared this way unfold slowly when steeped in a teapot, bringing out a sweetness, rich flavors and aromas that everyone enjoy. 

The blends prepared by Nakayama san contain a lot of amino acids. These levels are achieved by covering the new shoots of the tea trees, and using the sweet cultivar “Sae midori”. IKKI Shiraore will impress you upon opening the bag with its incredible fruity notes. Perfect for cold brew too !

 

3 products
IKKI

High-Grade Shiraore

ORGANIC: No   WEIGHT: 100g

The bright green liquor of this shiraore is filled with refreshing citrus notes with hints of steamed asparagus and barley. Easy to drink, perfect for cold brews.
ICHIKO

Premium Matcha

ORGANIC: No   WEIGHT: 40g

A fragrant, premium ceremonial-grade matcha from Sonogi. Enjoy this silky, smooth matcha with hints of roasted almonds, flower notes, and robust umami. Its light astringency accentuates its sweet flavor.
ISAO

High-Grade Tamaryokucha

ORGANIC: No   WEIGHT: 50g

A bright and balanced tamaryokucha, highly aromatic and elegant with notes of kumquat, toasted pine nut, and steamed arugula. First harvest tea.

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