We are very excited to be launching these five single cultivar first harvest 2026 teas again from Nagayama san in Chiran, Kagoshima. Each cultivar is 30g. You can also choose to get the set of 5 (5 x 30g) for a small discount, which is a wonderful chance to learn more about these cultivars and your own preference, from one single farmer and producer.

In addition,  Nagayama san also releases his own blend each year. For 2026, he has chosen Yutakamidori and Yabukita. He explains Yutakamidori gives a wonderful aroma whereas Yabukita gives a balance of umami and sweetness. 

From 2026, Nagayama san has switched to organic farming (athough in Japan it takes at least 3 years of change and reviewed by JAS (Japanese Agriculture Standards) before his fields can be fully certified as organic).

1. Saemidori - the first picked out of the five cultivars, a symbol representing spring - gentle umami and sweetness with no bitterness or astringency (even when brewed at higher temperatures), with a lingering sweetness in the aftertaste.
2. Yutakamidori - a cultivar that is very sensitve to cold temperatures - the flavour can vary dramatically each year. You can expect a balance of umami and bitterness with low sweetness. 
3. Yabukita - the staple cultivar for Japanese tea, Nagayama san aims to make it more special by shading the tea before harvest, enhancing an ordinary Yabukita to a more elegant, quality tasting. Strong sweetness and umami with a touch of bitterness. 
4. Meiryoku - a very rare cultivar! Expect refreshing notes with noticeable umami, also with an elegant lingering astringency.
5. Okumidori - the last to be picked out of these five cultivars, also shaded for a few days before harvest. The colour and the scent reminds you deep in the mountains, and fruity sweet umami notes with little to no astringency or bitterness. Still one of our most interesting cultivars!

6. 2026 blend - Yutakamidori and Yabukita - a well balanced blend with aroma, sweetness and hint of umami.