1 The stories of Fujisako tea estate 2 Location 3 Production method 4 Evidence

4 Evidence

Information Disclosure / Organic JAS Certification and various inspection results

Our organic farms do not use any chemical substances including pesticides and chemical fertilizers that are approved for use in organic JAS certification system.

However, in order to investigate the presence or absence of scattering agricultural chemicals and radioactive contamination from surrounding farms, we periodically conduct inspections at specialized agencies to confirm the safety of the products.

INSTAGRAM HINOKUNIKUMAMOTO — It opens in a separate window

Commitment to safety

We’re different from the rest!At Fujisako Tea Estate our tea is made to the highest standards of safety and security

Thorough cultivation spanning many years, rarely seen in Japan

I was brought to the brink of destruction because of agricultural chemicals – chemical fertilizers and insecticides. I can smile like I do today only because I stopped spreading those chemicals. I raise my crops naturally, without relying on pesticides or chemical fertilizers, just like the old days. I want to tell everyone about the wonderful power that Nature has.

I come from the town of Nishiki in Kuma district, Kumamoto Prefecture, born the eldest son of a Japanese tea-maker.

We began chemical-free tea production in 1978 and in 1985 we were awarded the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Prize. In 2007 we acquired the Organic Japanese Agricultural Standard and now we provide guidance to tens of young locals in the ways of chemical fertilizer and pesticide-free tea production.

Where we make our tea: Nishiki, Kuma District, Kumamoto Prefecture

The tea is produced deep in the mountains, completely free from the clamor of the city. We also process all our tea on-site, so the cleanliness of the air and water is consistent right from planting to processing.

The area is famous locally as the "Origin of the Mist" and the large temperature swing between morning and night helps to make the most delicious tea. On our estate, the things that are natural – the soil, insects, water, and of course the tea – work together collectively and naturally. This is why, instead of using insecticides to exterminate pests, we look for assistance from beneficial bugs – the spiders, mantises and ladybugs – to do the job for us. We also harness the power of trillions of beneficial bacteria to keep the earth fertile. Good earth is rich in minerals, so much so that fawns and wild boar piglets come to eat it in the early spring.

“Nature provides everything we need”
Ochacha Honpo products are processed with painstaking care, but we leave the growing to Nature.

The scenery at Fujisako Tea Estate
Fujisako Tea Estate is located in the hilly terrain of the Hitoyoshi Basin, surrounded on all sides by mountains over 700 meters tall. The 230 meter elevation guards against airborne pesticides and other harmful substances from outside.

Evidence

Organic JAS certification

(Agricultural products)

Organic JAS certification

(Processed agricultural products)

Residue pesticide test results

(262 items implemented)

The organic JAS certification system does not perform residual pesticide test on products. Whether or not pesticides and fertilizers are used, the type is only by declaration from each farmer. Therefore, we are conducting residual pesticide testing voluntarily using a third party inspection agency.

Inspection results on the presence or absence of residual pesticide in the product (tea). It is not detected in all 262 items subject to inspection.

Radioactivity measurement result

As a result of measurement to confirm the presence or absence of radioactive contamination, radioactive substances are not detected.

Catechins content inspection

It contains a lot of catechin component EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) with high antioxidant power.