Shizuoka Tea Auction Opens New Season with Record Prices

SHIZUOKA, Apr 21 (News On Japan) - The first auction of the season signaling the arrival of new tea was held on the morning of April 18th at the Shizuoka Tea Market in Shizuoka City, with the highest bid reaching 880,000 yen per kilogram, continuing the trend of high prices into 2025.

Around 500 people from Shizuoka's tea industry gathered at the market for the opening day of the new tea season.

Due to the impact of high summer temperatures and a lack of rainfall in autumn last year, the volume of tea traded on the first day was 528.5 kilograms, slightly lower than usual.

The highest-priced tea, as in 2024, was the "Takane no Kaori" variety grown in the Ryogouchi district of Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City. It fetched a price of 880,000 yen per kilogram.

Wada Natsuki, president of Wada Choji Shoten, which purchased the top-priced tea, explained: "The number 8 is considered lucky in the tea business because it symbolizes prosperity. So this year, we chose the number 88. Of all the teas I saw today, I felt this was the best, so I attached a price worthy of the best tea."

In addition, a trial auction system was introduced this year allowing producers to set a minimum price to ensure fair trade. Two lots were successfully auctioned under this system.

The Shizuoka Tea Market expects the peak of new tea trading to occur in early April.

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