Akio’s ’Shin’ Gyokuro

Simply put...

As leaves are young & delicate the result is close to a deep steaming (fukamushi)

In more depth...

Origin : Akio Kurihara Yabe-mura, Yame-shi, Fukuoka Pref, JAPAN

Size : 3 hectares [over several land plots]

Harvest Time : May

Cultivar : Yabukita

Plucking standard : Shaded for 3 weeks, machine cut, medium steamed

Experience : As leaves are young & delicate the result is close to a deep steaming (fukamushi)

Last visited by Comins : October 2025, Michelle Comins 

How to prepare [Kyusu]

Amount of tea per cup (200 ml): 5g (one tea caddy spoon)

Temperature of water: 60℃ / 176℉ 

Infusion time: 1 minute (or as desired)

Number of infusions: 4*

How to enjoy: No milk, no sugar

*Possible number of times you can re-brew using the same leaves.  

This tea can be infused/brewed multiple times, just place the leaves to one side and reuse

Tales of the Tea Trade : Akio Kurihara

Comins have been working with Fukuoka prefecture since 2016 & in 2025 the
Government decided to encourage more tea farmers to farm organically.  The
project aims not only to highlight "Yame tea", but also showcase the knowledge
of the people and the environment of Yame region.  Fukuoka Pref. Govt. offers
financial & tech support to  farmers who join the project with an aim of reducing
environmental impact & pursuing practices that are in harmony with nature.
 
Akio Kurihara is a nationally recognized, 4th Gen, award winning tea farmer.
He is one of a group of 6 farmers in the project with a small isolated plot of land
under conversion -  where this tea is grown. Motivated to deliver Umami rich
teas, but with an eye on the future, he believes that this approach is essential
for expanding Yame tea globally.  Producing tea using natural cultivation
methods has long been something he has wanted to do & by working with the
government and other farmers the barrier to this way of farming is lowered.  
Your support demonstrates how a future farming more in harmony with nature
can be viable - meaning others will follow.          Shin = Heart