Founded in 1911, Nitta Tea Farm has been cultivating tea for over a century. While preserving its heritage, the farm has gradually evolved to adapt to modern demands. Traditionally, farmers in this region sold fresh leaves to cooperatives. However, under the leadership of current CEO Tetsuya Nitta, the farm shifted to an integrated model, handling cultivation, processing, and sales in-house.
Soil health is a key focus for Nitta Seicha, using organic fertilizers and compost. They also practice a cultivation method known as "gajū-gata" (芽重型) a technique that deliberately limits the number of buds per plant. Rather than maximizing yield, the goal is to concentrate energy into fewer, higher-quality shoots, resulting in a more refined flavor.
Like many tea regions in Japan, Shirakawa faces challenges such as an aging workforce and a shortage of successors.In response, local producers have formed initiatives to sustain the region’s future. “We face many challenges, but tea farming is deeply rewarding,” says Nitta. “It connects us to nature and allows us to express the character of this land. We hope more people will take an interest and join us in the future.”
