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JAPAN 2010
Last year, with Vietnam on the list I had to skip Japan so this year Japan was calling me. I couldn’t wait to see my favourite producers and continue to explore the fascinating world of Japanese ceramics
Spring was short in Japan this year with unusual cold spells effecting certain producers. Some said the cold had been “just enough to stress the plants a little”. Others such as Mr.Sugiyama (Sencha Aji/Mobata )had had the worst harvest in 40 years…..
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My journey began with a visit to the Isshinen family on the island of Kyushu in the South. This family has been producing tea for 3 generations; their ancestors have been turning the soil here for 15 generations!
There are magnificent gardens in many parts of Nabeoka. Some have been organic for over 17 years with JAS(Japanese Agricultural Standard). Making the most of my visit a part of my time was devoted to continuing my research into Chawan and tea cups. I visited a few artisans in the Hagi a centre for ceramics. After many disappointing, soulless industrial operations I finally came across Mr.Nakahara. With over 30 years of experience a master of several styles (Kairagi, Oni-hagi, Hime-hagi etc.) Exceptional quality and fair prices. Mr. Nakahara collects his own red earth on the small island of Mishima. He uses both gas and wood-fired kilns. His pieces appear rough and heavy but have a surprising lightness once you pick them up. After a couple of days in Hagi, I left for Kyoto-Uji-Nara to meet a few different producers of Matcha, Sencha and Gyukuro. I also checked out more ceramics with Mr. Kamada, celebrated artisan of Tenmoku, unique tea ware with stunning glazes. My favourite discovery of the year was in Saitama with the family Miyano. The area is famous for hand-made teas (Temomi). Yes! Every part of the process from plucking to sorting is done by hand. To make 350g it takes 8 hours without even a 15minute break!! This crazy labour of love is all destined for annual regional and national competitions. |
I had often heard tell of these teas. The deep green leaves look like pine needles. A 40 degree celcius infusion and only a few drops of water. In the cup the few rich drops reminded me of a green vegetable broth.
After only 2 small cups a fixed smile began to form on my face. Pierre, my translator, was getting the giggles and told me that he was unable to translate!! Finally we asked our host what was going on and he explained that many clients enjoyed this tea for its magical euphoric effect as much as its exquisite taste.
Unfortunately, he had only a small quantity to sell and at prices that were a little out of our budget. ($2000-$15000USD/kg). The 2 teas that I bought in small quantities the Sencha Hinpyokai Tokugo and the Sencha Hinpyokai Ichigo have a delicate floral perfume and astonishing persistence…
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