I started Kawagiri to keep a promise I made to a farmer in Shizuoka when I was studying agriculture at university: “One day, I’ll sell your tea.”

I wanted to promote the nature I love and the farmers working deep in the mountains of Shizuoka. At the same time, I knew that to make Kawagiri work as a business, I needed to build a good lineup that would also appeal to local customers. So before starting Kawagiri, I tried more than 500 tea samples, and I’m still doing it today.

My priority in selecting tea has always been taste. I tend to look for teas that are not too bitter or astringent, but rather mild and floral, with the kind of taste I personally love and that I think local customers could enjoy too. I also look for unique flavours that can surprise you while still being easy to drink and making you feel calm and relaxed. Finding that balance is difficult, but searching for it has always been at the heart of Kawagiri.

Kawagiri was born at Nihoncha Matsuri in 2024, and since then my exploration has continued. I have now tried more than 1,000 teas, while also going to in-person markets, including farmers’ markets, almost every week. Being there gives me a chance to talk directly with customers, see their reactions, and receive real, honest feedback.

Although my main focus is still mountain-grown tea from Shizuoka, my vision has gradually expanded through those experiences. I now want to share the true goodness of Japanese tea as a whole, while being more flexible and creative in adapting to what local customers enjoy. My lineup now includes teas from other regions such as Kyoto, Kagoshima, and Sayama, along with matcha, Japanese black tea, and more.

I believe that sometimes, just one sip of tea can really lift our spirits and give us a calm, relaxing moment. That feeling is what I want to deliver through Kawagiri, and that’s why nothing makes me happier than seeing people enjoy my tea. When I see that, I feel that all the hard work has paid off.

I also love sharing what customers tell me with my suppliers and farmers in Japan. Hearing feedback here in Canada and passing it back to the people who actually grow and make the tea creates a connection across the ocean. For me, that connection is one of the most meaningful parts of Kawagiri.