hitamichi Hand-Rolled Tea

hitamichi Hand-Rolled Tea

This special hand-rolled tea is crafted by master artisan Eiju Komuro, who holds the title of Japan’s No.1 hand-rolled tea master. Each leaf is carefully hand-picked, then meticulously hand-rolled for 3.5 hours to create a tea unlike any other.

Komuro has won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award (First Place) at the National Hand-Rolled Tea Competition, a recognition given only to the very best. Even within Japan, only a handful of artisans can replicate tea of this award-winning level.

Traditionally, a tea worthy of such accolades requires seven hours of hand-rolling to produce just 1 kilogram, making it extraordinarily rare and highly valuable—far beyond the reach of most tea drinkers.

Driven by the wish to let more people experience the beauty of hand-rolled tea, Komuro has created this special version, completed in half the usual time—3.5 hours. While a so-called “shortcut,” it still carries the unmistakable depth, umami, and silky texture unique to hand-rolled tea, making it the perfect introduction for first-time drinkers.

Today, hand-rolling—a once essential step in tea-making—has nearly vanished due to mechanization. Though not efficient, the depth of flavor born from the craftsman’s hands can never be replicated by machines.

Characteristics

• The rolling process breaks the cell walls of the tea leaves, fully releasing the umami.

• A smooth, almost syrupy texture with minimal bitterness. Clear, transparent color and taste.

• Made only from the most flavorful “one bud, two leaves”, with large, elongated leaves as its hallmark.

Recommended Brewing

Brew slowly at a low temperature to bring out its gentle, refined sweetness.

Each cup reveals the profound depth of the leaves and the mastery of the artisan’s craft.

For an even richer experience, try it alongside sencha in a tasting set—discovering how the very same leaves, when finished differently, produce distinct layers of aroma and flavor.