Visiting Tosa Tea Producers in Kochi Prefecture

We visited tea producers in Kochi Prefecture to introduce WTEA and to better understand the current landscape surrounding Tosa tea.

Throughout the visit, we were struck by the region’s natural potential and the strong individuality of its producers. At the same time, we learned that much of Tosa tea is currently traded through markets centered in the Shizuoka region, highlighting a clear gap between regional identity and existing distribution systems.

This experience reinforced our belief that direct relationships and producer-first structures are essential for the future of Japanese tea. We see the participation of younger generations in agriculture as a critical factor, and we aim to embody that path ourselves—expressing conviction through both action and words.

Our time in Kochi reminded us that Japan’s primary industries still hold immense, untapped potential. By continuing to build direct connections and long-term perspectives, we hope to contribute to a more sustainable and expressive future for Japanese tea.