The renowned tea-growing region of Chiran lies in Kagoshima, the southernmost part of Japan. Situated on flat land near the sea, it enjoys exceptionally high levels of sunshine throughout the year. The tea fields here have been certified organic since 1998, and the farmer uses a homemade, fully natural fertiliser, matured and fermented over three years. This blend includes bamboo powder and mineral-rich rock, among other organic materials. The volcanic soil is particularly fertile, further enriched by frequent ash fall from the active volcano, Mount Sakurajima. To protect the delicate leaves from the intense sun, the tea plants are shaded for around seven days before harvest. After picking, the leaves are carefully washed to remove any volcanic ash. The farmer takes great pride in using traditional rolling and drying machines, which are fitted with bamboo components instead of plastic.
