Fukamushi is a special method of processing sencha tea leaves that involves an extended steaming time. As a result, the leaves tend to lose their shape, crumbling into small particles much easier than other sencha teas. This transforms the flavor from a clean, smooth tasting tea, to a tea that is thick and strong in flavor for the amount and quality level of the leaf itself.

Chiran Village, Kagoshima

Kagoshima is the second largest tea production region in Japan. Chiran is a small town located in southern Kagoshima Prefecture, known for samurai district and gardens that have been preserved since the Edo period. Chiran-cha refers to and is a brand name for tea grown in the town of Chiran.

Steeping Notes

• Tea: 5g
• Time: 60 seconds
• Water Temperature: 70C/158F degrees
• Water amount: 200 ml
• You can resteep 3 times before flavor becomes too diluted

Product Info

• Ingredients: green tea
• Harvest: Spring
• Region: Chiran Village, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Steaming: Deep-steamed (Fukamushi)

Vendor Info

• Name: Chakouan (Yamaguchi Seichaen Co., Ltd.)
• Type: Tea Shop
• Established: 1971
• CEO: Sachiyo Nakashima

Chakouan's President, Sachiyo Nakashima, was born in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture, and grew up playing in the tea fields. She inherited the tea business started by her grandfather, selling tea from her older brother who continues to farm and produce tea in Ureshino.

After marrying and moving to Imari, she began selling the family's tea at the morning markets, and over the decades built a thriving small business. Her daughter works with her, learning the business, and plans to take over eventually.