Mr Eiichi Matsushita (松下栄市) is a passionate fourth-generation tea farmer. During the steaming and processing of the tea, he stands at the steaming machine in order to monitor the process himself. In 1909, the family relocated from Shizuoka to Banyamine on Tanegashima, bringing their expertise in tea cultivation to this pristine natural island. Mr Matsushita served as President of the Tanegashima Arasha Factory Association for 12 years. His tea fields are located in Tanegashima’s finest green tea terroir.
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
Saemidori Pest.Free
Super Premium 97 P.
The very first Shincha of 2026. Grown pesticide-free on the southern Pacific island of Tanegashima, Japan, sourced directly from Eiichi Matsushita and crafted from the Saemidori cultivar. 80g
| Character | Full-bodied, deep, sweet umami, yeast-raised pastry, sour cherry, revitalising |
| Tea Farm | Tanegashima Shōju-en, Mr Eiichi Matsushita |
| Terroir | Banyamine, Tanegashima, Kagoshima, Japan |
| Harvest | 1st harvest (Ichibancha): 12 April 2026 |
| Cultivar | Saemidori |
| Elevation | 223m above sea level |
| Steaming | Short (Asamushi, 30 seconds) |
| Shading | No shading necessary due to weather conditions |
| Cultivation | Cultivated without the use of pesticides |
| Laboratory Tests | Radioactivity (annual test of region) and pesticides |
| Awards | Farmer awarded 2nd place in the Seicha Kyoshinkai Contest in 2008 (Aracha tea category) |
| Grade | 97/100 p. (Shincha category); Super Premium |
€19.90
80g
Tea Farm
Character
Tasting Notes
Tasting Notes
An elegant, harmonious Sencha from the Saemidori cultivar – slightly sweeter in the 2026 harvest than in the previous year. It is characterised by a mild bitterness and an impressive, gently sweet umami. Delicate hints reminiscent of yeast pastry unfold into a fruity note of freshly harvested sour cherries on the finish. In subsequent infusions, the tea initially appears even denser and more broth-like, before clearing again from around the fourth infusion onwards, creating an intriguing progression in the cup. A gourmet Shincha rich in umami, perfect for lovers of elegant yet full-bodied green teas.
Leaf
Fine, juicy dark green needles
Cup
Beautiful straw green
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.
Culture et transformation
Culture et transformation
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 fields in Tanegashima, directly purchased from the farmer.
Préparation
Préparation
Brewing Guide
2-3 heaped teaspoons (approx. 5-8g) per 100–300ml water, 55–60°C. Steep for 2 minutes.
We recommend enjoying this tea in several infusions in order to fully savour the special character of Shincha:
1. 60°C, 120 sec.
2. 65°C, 10 sec.
3. 70°C, 20 sec.
4. 70°C, 30 sec.
5. 80°C, 20 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.
Tests en laboratoire
Tests en laboratoire
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.