The Sasa River is the longest river in Nagasaki Prefecture. Sechibaru Town, located in the upper reaches of the river, once developed as a coal mining town. Now that the mines have been closed, the area has developed into a thriving tea growing region, taking advantage of the cool climate and abundant precipitation.

Sechibara tea is made using a method unique to the Nagasaki and Saga regions called steamed green tea. It accounts for only about 4% of the total green tea production in Japan. In addition, because the producers are responsible for everything from production to sales, most of the tea is consumed within the prefecture, making it a rare tea.

To pass on to the next generation

In today's world, where working styles have become more diverse, the lack of successors for the next generation has become an issue. So, one tea farmer in the Kinourahara district of Sechibaru Town is taking on a new challenge.

"I want to deliver Sechibaru tea in a different form to more people. I hope this will be an opportunity for the younger generation, who have never picked up tea before, to learn about it."

So says Yuka Hayashi, CEO of the company. Hayashi was born into a family that grew up on tea farms, a tradition that dates back to her grandfather's generation, and grew up in an environment where tea was close to her from an early age. After going on to study at an art university in the Kanto region, she began her career as a designer at an advertising agency.

On the other hand, the lack of successors to the neighboring tea farms where he was born and raised was an issue. So three tea farmers formed a union and started not only producing but also selling. Hayashi, who worked as a designer, was involved in the packaging design for sales. The tea sold at that time was a blend of tea and herbs, which could be said to be the predecessor of Sasebo Gajira.

Hayashi says he had never really thought about taking over the family business, but after being involved in sales, he started to think, "Wouldn't it be nice to have something that lets you enjoy tea from a different angle? Selling tea might be fun, too." And so he began to think about the future of the family business. And so the tea brand "Sasebo Gajira" was born.

The beloved monster "Gajira"

The kanji spelling is "Yajira"

What's interesting is the name "Gajira," which sounds like a monster.

In the area where Hayashi-san was born and raised, there were many forests of the same type, so he was called "Gajira no Hayashi-san" to distinguish them. That name was adopted as the brand name. The way he seeks new methods to solve the problems of the family business that has been passed down for generations and breaks the status quo is just like a monster.

"I have the image that tea is something that elderly people pick up. I wanted to create a tea that had never been seen before, so I narrowed down my target audience. I thought it would be good to have a character for it, so I made my beloved cat the character."

Sasebo Gajira is characterized by its adorable cat character (Gajira Neko) on the packaging and the eye-catching color of the tea.

Products include "Sasebo Blue," inspired by Kujukushima Bay, and "Sasebo Kanoko," inspired by Sasebo's city flower, the Kanoko lily, allowing you to enjoy memories of Sasebo along with your tea.

Left: Sechihara Japanese black tea Right: Sasebo Blue

Diversifying working styles has made it difficult for new tea farmers to enter the industry, so it is important to raise awareness.

"People are often surprised, but I hope that they will first notice it and become aware that there is such a thing as Sechibaru tea."

Filled with memories of your trip

From March 2024, you can enjoy Sasebo Gajira Japanese black tea at the breakfast venue of HOTEL RESOL SASEBO. It is also available for purchase at the front desk.

The aroma of tea and herbs will bring back memories of your trip and soothe your fatigue.

Sasebo Gajira LLC

電話：0956-80-1235

Address: 640 Kinourahara, Sechibaru-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-6406

HP: https://gajira.shop/

SNS: https://www.instagram.com/sasebogajira/

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.