Mr. Eiichi Matsushita 松下栄市 is a passionate tea farmer operating the tea farm in its 4th generation. When steaming and processing the tea, Mr. Matsushita himself stands at the machine to monitor the process. The family resettled from Shizuoka to Banyamine, Tanegashima in 1909 and brought their tea-making expertise with them. Mr. Matsushita has served as the president of the Tanegashima Arasha Factory Association for 12 years. His tea fields are located in the best green tea terroir of Tanegashima.
New
Yoshi En has recently grown out of Sunday Natural to become an independent premium tea store. As part of this transition, some products may still be shipped in Sunday Natural packaging.
Hashiri Shincha 2026
Yabukita Pest.Free
Super Premium 96 P.
The very first Shincha of 2026. Grown pesticide-free on the southern Pacific island of Tanegashima, Japan, sourced directly from Eiichi Matsushita. Crafted from the Yabukita cultivar, harvested in April 2026. 80g
| Character | Harmonious, balanced, sweet-vegetal, silky umami, cooked kohlrabi, highly revitalising |
| Tea Garden | Mr. Eiichi Matsushita |
| Terroir | Banyamine, Tanegashima, Kagoshima, Japan |
| Harvest | 1st harvest (Ichibancha): 16 April 2026 |
| Cultivar | Yabukita |
| Elevation | 223m above sea level |
| Steaming | Short (asamushi, 30 seconds) |
| Shading | No shading necessary due to weather conditions |
| Organic Cert. | Cultivated without the use of plant protection products |
| Laboratory Tests | Radioactivity (region as of 04/2023) |
| Awards | Farmer awarded 2nd place in the Seicha Kyoshinkai Contest in 2008 (aracha tea category) |
| Grade | 96/100 p. (shincha category); Super Premium |
€17.90
80g
Tea Farm
Character
Flavour
A wonderfully robust and fresh Sencha from the prized Yabukita cultivar, combining a nourishing, fine bitterness with flavoursome vegetal notes and a rich umami. In the 2026 harvest, this is especially well-balanced and sweet due to the weather conditions, with plenty of umami. Overall, it results in a highly invigorating and refreshing tea, with ample caffeine and a grassy freshness. A delicate umami prevails, reminiscent of cooked kohlrabi, developing a more fruity character in the finish. A beautifully balanced tea for green tea enthusiasts – and an ideal choice for anyone discovering the world of Shincha for the first time.
Leaf
Juicy, dark green needles
Cup
Vibrant green yellow
Shincha 2026
Shincha, which translates from Japanese as "new tea", marks the start of the tea season in Japan and is eagerly awaited every year. For the Japanese tea world, it is considered the highest quality tea of the current season and embodies the perfect freshness of Japanese green teas thanks to its extensive aroma spectrum. Only the tea buds and young leaves, the first shoots of spring, are harvested. Their wealth of valuable nutrients is decisive for the unmistakable freshness and strength that makes shincha so exceptional. Small harvest quantities and high demand make this special first harvest a highly limited, seasonal tea.
Yoshi En
Premium Organic Teas
Our comprehensive portfolio focuses on organic, single-origin teas sourced directly from renowned farms. We believe in creating partnerships with farmers who share our values and are committed to sustainable, responsible tea cultivation. Thanks to these strong relationships our exciting range is constantly growing and evolving. As an international team of dedicated and passionate tea experts, we are committed to preserving centuries-old tea culture while ensuring it remains relevant and continues to bring joy in the present. About Yoshi En.
Cultivation & Processing
Cultivation & Processing
Special features in location, cultivation and processing
The tea farm is located in the northern part of the picturesque island of Tanegashima, around 115km south of Kagoshima City. The warm, subtropical climate and the fresh sea breeze, which carries minerals and morning fog to the farm, provide ideal conditions for cultivating early Sencha cultivars. Perched at an elevation of 223 metres, the tea fields lie at the highest point in Banyamine, considered one of Tanegashima’s finest terroirs.
The tea farmer uses as few pesticides as possible. No pesticides are applied during the first harvest (Ichibancha) or the second harvest (Nibancha). The tea is only briefly steamed (asamushi) in order to highlight its refreshing, milky-sweet character.
Single Origin
This tea is sourced exclusively from the above-mentioned tea plantation in Tanegashima and is purchased directly from the farmer.
Preparation
Preparation
Brewing Guide
2 heaped teaspoons per 100–300ml water (55–60°C). Steep for 2 minutes.
Suitable for up to 6 infusions:
1. 60°C, 60 sec.
2. 65°C, 15 sec.
3. 60°C, 20 sec.
4. 60°C, 20 sec.
5. 60°C, 15 sec.
6. 60°C, 10 sec.
Packaging
Packed in a high-quality, airtight, resealable zipper pouch with nine protective layers to preserve flavour and prevent oxidation. After opening, press out as much air as possible when snapping shut.
Recommended Teapot
To highlight the aromatic balance of umami, freshness, and delicate bitter notes, we recommend using a Banko Kyusu for this year's Shincha, which enhances the tea's character and emphasises its sweetness. Alternatively, a black Tokoname Kyusu can also be used, which has a more neutral effect on the tea.
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory Tests
We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements. Likewise, the regions of Japan from which we source our teas are tested for radioactivity for every harvest.
Sunday Natural
Sunday Natural
Our philosophy
For thousands of years, cultures all over the world have been using a variety of plants and nutritious foods to naturally foster vitality and good health.
With our products, we try to emulate this ancient wisdom as much as possible.
Consequently, our philosophy is simple: in everything we produce, we strive for the highest standards of quality and purity, with a focus on organic and natural ingredients.
We follow this philosophy with meticulous care on all levels, down to every last detail.