This month, we have selected a Chirancha (知覧茶), a well-balanced and refined green tea from the Chiran (知覧) region in Kagoshima Prefecture (鹿児島).

Please note that shipping has been delayed by about a week and a half, which means your tea may arrive a little later than usual. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your patience!

Chiran Samurai Residence Garden by Casey Yee, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (edited from the original).

Ushirodake

Chiran is the leading tea-producing region in Japan at the municipal level, and its Chirancha is renowned for its exceptional quality. This tea is the result of the expertise of the artisans of the Chiran agricultural cooperative, who carefully blend it to ensure a perfect balance of taste, aroma, and color.

The edition we are offering this month is a Chirancha bearing the name "Ushirodake (後岳)," known for its low astringency, deep flavor, and dark green liquor. Its rich yet balanced character makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined and authentic tea experience.

Setsubun (節分) at the Shimogoryō Shrine in Kyoto

Setsubun and Chinese New Year in Japan

February marks a seasonal transition in Japan, symbolized by the traditional Setsubun (節分) event. Celebrated in early February, Setsubun is a festival where people drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune by throwing roasted soybeans while chanting, "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!" which translates to "Demons out, good fortune in!" This tradition highlights how the Japanese mark seasonal changes with specific rituals and customs.

Although Japan has followed the Gregorian calendar since the Meiji era, the influence of the Chinese New Year is still present in various traditions. Many festivals and events continue to be held during this period, reflecting the historical and cultural ties that connect Japan to other Asian countries. Among them, the Nagasaki Lantern Festival (長崎ランタンフェスティバル) is one of the most iconic. Held in the city of Nagasaki, it lights up the streets with thousands of colorful lanterns and features traditional performances, including dances and parades.

Nagasaki Lantern Festival by JKT-c, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (edited from the original).

How to Prepare Your Chirancha?

To fully enjoy the aromas and smoothness of this Chirancha, we recommend the following preparation:

• Tea quantity: 6g
• Water: 180ml
• Temperature: 70°C
• Steeping time: 1 to 2 minutes

You can also reinfuse the leaves a second, or even a third time, to explore different flavors.

Enjoy your tea, and see you soon for our next selection!