ABOUT MyTea

The Journey of Kaisei MyTea's Establishment

In 2002, despite the production of delicious rice, there was a gradual increase in abandoned farmland and whispers of a shortage of farmers. To address this situation, a proposal emerged to transition to 'Ashigara tea' production, which had been traditionally grown throughout the Ashigara plains. This idea was proposed as a solution for several reasons

A few years later, tea leaf harvesting began, and with the expanding demand for tea beverages in the market, sales gradually increased. As cultivation techniques were mastered, machinery was progressively acquired. By 2011, frost prevention fans were installed, completing the environment for full-scale cultivation.

The problem of securing agricultural workers

Kaisei Town, the smallest municipality in Kanagawa Prefecture, has consistently maintained the highest population growth rate in the region in recent years. Often described as a "convenient countryside town," Kaisei offers an ideal blend of urban accessibility and rural charm.

The main challenge facing Kaisei Town is the "agricultural successor problem." Despite being renowned for its high-quality rice, which has been selected for the national "Special A" taste ranking, and its reputation as a sake-producing region, the younger generation, who typically work for large corporations, are reluctant to engage in the agricultural practices that have been passed down through generations.

The moment elderly farmers who have long protected the land become unable to continue their work, the fields begin to deteriorate and transform into abandoned farmland. The four founders of Kaisei MyTea, with an average age exceeding 80 years, are now facing difficulties in continuing their operations. They struggle with tasks such as working under the scorching sun or lifting heavy objects. Additionally, each of them has begun to experience health issues and various ailments, making it challenging to sustain the business1.

Message

My name is Inoue, and I work in design production alongside farming in Kaisei Town, the smallest town in western Kanagawa Prefecture. It's a pleasure to meet you. 'Agriculture and design' might seem like opposite fields, but I originally worked as a salaried employee at a printing company. At 30, I became independent and moved to Kaisei Town, my wife's hometown. While continuing the family farming business, my wife and I have been developing a locally-focused design business, utilizing the skills we gained in our previous jobs, such as website and flyer creation.order to give form to the aspirations of our four elderly predecessors and pass their legacy on to future generations, we have decided to create Sunshine Tea as Kaisei Town's brand of tea leaves.

Message

My name is Inoue, and I work in design production alongside farming in Kaisei Town, the smallest town in western Kanagawa Prefecture. It's a pleasure to meet you. 'Agriculture and design' might seem like opposite fields, but I originally worked as a salaried employee at a printing company. At 30, I became independent and moved to Kaisei Town, my wife's hometown. While continuing the family farming business, my wife and I have been developing a locally-focused design business, utilizing the skills we gained in our previous jobs, such as website and flyer creation.order to give form to the aspirations of our four elderly predecessors and pass their legacy on to future generations, we have decided to create Sunshine Tea as Kaisei Town's brand of tea leaves.

80 Ushijima, Kaisei Town, Ashigara Kami-gun,
Kanagawa Prefecture 258-0022, Japan