Exploring Tea Farms – Part 1: K Tea Company

03/27/202504/13/2025

TOC

A Pioneer in Pesticide-Free Tea Cultivation

In the heart of Satsuma Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, you’ll find K Tea Company, home to over 8 hectares of lush tea fields nestled in the region’s rich natural landscape.

Here, a family of three works together to grow tea using completely pesticide-free methods.

Interestingly, their journey into pesticide-free farming began with a deeply personal reason—Mr. K’s wife was diagnosed with a pesticide allergy shortly after they were married.

Determined to create an environment where their family could live safely and with peace of mind, they made the bold decision to transition to pesticide-free cultivation right away.

However, the road to pesticide-free farming was anything but easy.

There were times when newly budding tea shoots were devastated by pests, and Mr. K often felt on the verge of giving up. But he remained steadfast, choosing to continue his commitment to pesticide-free cultivation.

“Even when pests appeared, I learned to wait patiently. Eventually, beneficial insects would show up and naturally take care of the problem,” he explains.

Through years of persistence and careful observation, the tea fields gradually transformed. After about five to six years, they reached a point where the ecosystem had stabilized, and healthy growth became the norm.

At K Tea Company, there is also a deep commitment to composting. At one point, they would spend up to five years carefully creating compost to spread across their tea fields. This dedication has enriched the soil and become the foundation for producing tea with a deep, complex flavor and rich aroma.

It’s now been well over a decade since they began growing tea completely without pesticides. Today, K Tea Company has also obtained ASIA GAP certification, meeting strict domestic and international standards that guarantee both safety and quality.

Mr. K shares proudly,
“These days, organic farming has become a trend, and many newcomers are entering the field. But we’ve spent over 30 years building our knowledge and experience. That depth of expertise shows clearly in the taste and aroma of our tea.”

Remarkably, the entire tea-making process is carried out by the family. Recently, their daughter has joined the effort, taking charge of the final stage—“hi-ire”, or finishing roast. Each batch of tea, carefully grown and crafted by their own hands, is treated with the love and attention one might give to a child. Mr. K says the moment new buds begin to sprout is one of pure joy.

With a focus not only on safety and sustainability but also on flavor and fragrance, the K family pours their heart and soul into creating truly exceptional tea.

During our visit, I had the opportunity to enjoy a freshly brewed cup—and I could feel the genuine care and passion behind every sip. It was a warming and heartfelt experience, one that perfectly reflects the spirit of K Tea Company.