Abstract
In recent years, Japanese tea production has exhibited significant growth, particularly in 2022, when rough tea production reached a record high of 77.2 kilotonnes (kt) and the cultivated area expanded to 36.9 thousand hectares (kha). This increase reflects a resurgence in tea cultivation, driven by rising domestic and international demand. Kagoshima stood out with the highest yield of fresh tea leaves, totaling 130 kt, highlighting its pivotal role in the industry. Historically, Japan has focused on quality, emphasizing traditional methods and unique varieties. As production techniques evolve and consumer preferences shift towards premium and specialty teas, the industry is adapting while maintaining its cultural heritage, ensuring sustainability and growth for the future.
Rough tea production volume (main data).
Japanese rough tea production has seen notable fluctuations from 1959 to 2022. The peak production of 105 kilotonnes (kt) in 1975 marked a high point in the industry, reflecting robust demand and cultivation practices of the time. Currently, production stands at 73.2% of this peak, indicating a decline over the decades, influenced by changing consumer preferences and challenges in the agricultural sector. Despite this reduction, Japan maintains a reputation for high-quality tea, with emphasis on specialty and premium varieties. As producers adapt to market demands and environmental factors, the focus remains on revitalizing the industry through innovation while preserving traditional cultivation methods, ensuring a sustainable future for Japanese tea.
The maximum is 105kt[1975] of Japan, and the current value is about 73.2%
Rough tea production volume (by prefecture).
In 2022, Japanese rough tea production demonstrated distinct regional characteristics, with Shizuoka leading the way at 28.6 kilotonnes (kt), the highest among all prefectures. Shizuoka’s prominence is rooted in its favorable climate and rich soil, which foster high-quality tea cultivation. Historically, Shizuoka has been a cornerstone of Japan’s tea industry, benefiting from both tradition and innovation. While production levels fluctuate annually due to factors like weather and market demand, the focus on premium quality and unique varieties remains strong. As Japan’s tea producers face evolving consumer tastes and environmental challenges, Shizuoka’s continued leadership underscores the importance of adapting cultivation practices while preserving the region’s rich heritage in tea production.
The maximum is 28.6kt of Shizuoka, the average is 8.74kt, and the total is 69.9kt
Area under tea cultivation (main data).
The area of tea cultivation in Japan has changed between 1959 and 2022. The peak was recorded in 1980 at 61 kha in prefectures and prefectures, but has been declining since then. The current cultivated area in prefectures is 64.1% of its peak. This trend is due to a variety of factors within the tea industry. This is due to factors such as the reduction in farmland due to urbanization and industrialization, a decrease in the agricultural labor force, and changes in demand for tea. Another possible impact is climate change. On the other hand, efforts are also being made to improve productivity without reducing the cultivated area by improving and streamlining cultivation techniques. Additionally, support measures are being implemented in some areas to maintain and promote tea cultivation. Overall, the decline in tea cultivation area is due to multiple factors and the tea industry is undertaking various initiatives to produce sustainably and meet demand.
The maximum is 61kha[1980] of Japan, and the current value is about 60.5%
Tea cultivation area (by prefecture).
Data on the area of tea cultivation in Japan in 2022 shows that tea cultivation is carried out in a relatively limited area. The largest overall is Shizuoka at 13.8 kha, suggesting that this region plays a major role in tea cultivation. The national average cultivated area is 3.84kha, which indicates that tea cultivation is carried out on a relatively small scale. The total cultivated area is 30.7kha, which shows that tea cultivation is carried out over a relatively small area overall. These characteristics indicate that tea cultivation is concentrated in certain regions and that tea production is an important industry in those regions. It also appears that small-scale businesses are the norm. In the future, adjustments to cultivation area and production volume may be made in line with changes in tea demand and consumption patterns.
The maximum is 13.8kha of Shizuoka, the average is 3.84kha, and the total is 30.7kha
Fresh tea leaf harvest volume (by prefecture).
In 2022, the yield of fresh tea leaves in Japan showcased significant regional strengths, with Kagoshima leading at an impressive 130 kilotonnes (kt). This yield reflects the prefecture’s optimal growing conditions and advanced agricultural techniques, positioning it as a vital contributor to Japan’s tea industry. The national average yield was 41.4 kt, with a total production of 331 kt, indicating a robust overall output. While the industry has faced challenges such as climate change and shifting consumer preferences, producers are increasingly focusing on quality and sustainability. As they adopt innovative farming practices, the emphasis on premium tea varieties is likely to enhance Japan’s reputation for high-quality tea on both domestic and international markets.
The maximum is 130kt of Kagoshima, the average is 41.4kt, and the total is 331kt
Comments