Behind every great tea lies a story of passion, patience, and people. In Kagoshima, Japan’s southern jewel, a group of young farmers is rewriting the future of Japanese tea through their company, Oosumi Organic Tea Company (O.O.T.C.).
For centuries, Gyokuro — the emperor of Japanese teas — has been admired for its unmatched umami and elegance. But cultivating Gyokuro organically has long been called “impossible.” High humidity, delicate leaves, and pest challenges made it a contradiction. Yet, O.O.T.C. dared to take on this challenge.
Guided by master tea producer Shuichiro Sakamoto, the young farmers combined science, tradition, and innovation. They studied soil health, plant physiology, microbiology, and sustainable farming. With passion and relentless care, they achieved what many thought unachievable: world-class organic Gyokuro.
Each member brings something unique:
- A craftsman from Kirishima who has won Japan’s top tea awards.
- A visionary leader in Kanoya City who inspires young farmers with his dream of “tea with a future.”
- Producers on Tanegashima Island using sea breeze and mineral-rich soil to grow powerful leaves.
- Innovators experimenting with roasting and blending to create brand-new flavors like Gyokuro Hōjicha.
The result? A tea that doesn’t just taste good — it tells a story of nature, youth, and courage.
O.O.T.C. is more than a company. It’s a movement to bring the beauty of organic Japanese tea to the world. Each sip of their Imperial Gyokuro or Gyokuro Hōjicha Powder carries the soil of Kagoshima, the care of farmers, and the spirit of innovation.
As they like to say:
“This isn’t just tea. It’s tomorrow in a cup.”
