Shizuoka Reclaims No. 1 Tea-Producing Spot

Aug 19, 2026 | News On Japan

SHIZUOKA - Shizuoka Prefecture has regained its position as Japan's leading producer of first-flush tea, overtaking Kagoshima Prefecture for the first time in two years as favorable weather and growing demand for matcha helped boost production.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Shizuoka produced 10,700 tons of aracha, or unrefined tea, from this year's first harvest, up 32% from 2025 and the highest volume among Japan's prefectures.

Kagoshima ranked second with production of 9,610 tons, an increase of 14% from 2025.

Shizuoka had suffered lower production in 2025 as low temperatures hampered tea growth, but the ministry said weather conditions were favorable throughout this year's growing season, resulting in stronger development of the crop.

Production was also boosted by efforts to capitalize on the recent matcha boom. Tea growers extended the harvesting period and increased production of tencha, the tea leaves used as the raw material for matcha.

Commenting on Shizuoka's return to the top position, Governor Yasutomo Suzuki said, "This is the result of producers working enthusiastically to cultivate tea, and I would like to express my sincere respect for their efforts."

Source: SBSnews6

Typhoon No. 25 Expected to Pass Near Izu Islands and Kanto

Large Typhoon No. 25 was moving north toward the Ogasawara Islands at 5 a.m. on September 19 and was forecast to pass near the Izu Islands and Kanto from September 20 through September 21, bringing the risk of torrential rain, violent winds and rough seas, with some areas expected to receive more than 300 millimeters of rain over 48 hours.

Bear Sighting Raises Alarm at Popular Tokyo Hiking Spot

A black bear has been spotted near one of the most popular hiking trails on Mount Takao in western Tokyo, prompting authorities to urge visitors to take precautions ahead of the five-day Silver Week holiday and the approaching autumn foliage season.

Starbucks Considers Selling Majority Stake in Japan Business

Starbucks is considering selling a majority stake in its Japanese business, potentially valued at as much as $3 billion, or about 470 billion yen, as the U.S. coffee chain seeks to concentrate management resources on its struggling North American operations.

Halloween Jumbo Lottery Goes on Sale With 400 Million Yen Top Prize

Japan's Halloween Jumbo Lottery went on sale nationwide on September 16, offering a combined top payout of 400 million yen for the first prize and its adjacent-number prizes.

Shinkansen Introduces New Luxury Private Compartment

A new top-tier "Supreme Class" offering fully private compartments above the level of Green Car service will debut on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen on October 1, with passengers able to experience the new seating at a demonstration booth at Shin-Osaka Station.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Food NEWS

Tokyo Chinese Restaurant Keeps Woks Flying After 62 Years

For more than six decades, Sanyuken Fukasawa Branch in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward has served generations of customers with familiar Chinese dishes, as its 72-year-old second-generation owner and his wife continue to run the 14-seat neighborhood restaurant largely by themselves.

AI Mushroom Misidentification Leads to Food Poisoning

Authorities are warning people not to rely on artificial intelligence, guidebooks or internet searches to decide whether wild mushrooms are safe to eat after food poisoning cases involving toxic species, including one in which AI mistakenly identified a poisonous mushroom as edible.

Tokyo Prison Revamps Meals as One in Four Inmates Is Foreign

Tokyo's Fuchu Prison is adapting its meals and living arrangements to a growing foreign inmate population, with about one in four prisoners coming from overseas and staff balancing religious, cultural and dietary needs against tight budgets and the demands of running one of Japan's largest prisons.

Curry Rice Price Falls Below 350 Yen

The cost of making a serving of curry rice at home in Japan fell below 350 yen in July for the first time in 11 months, helped by declining rice prices, according to Teikoku Databank.

Grape Picking Reaches Peak Season in Osaka's Kashiwara

Grape-picking season has reached its peak at tourist farms in Kashiwara, Osaka Prefecture, where hot weather from spring through summer has produced particularly sweet, richly flavored fruit this year, although prolonged rain has reduced visitor numbers and could shorten the season.

Kasumi Crab Sells for 300,000 Yen at Season's First Auction

The autumn red snow crab season has opened on the Sea of Japan coast, with the first auction at Kasumi Fishing Port in Kami, Hyogo Prefecture, recording a top price of 300,000 yen for a single crab on September 4.

Japan to Conduct First Nationwide Survey of Animal Cafes

Japan's Environment Ministry will conduct its first survey of animal cafes, where customers can interact with animals including exotic species, as concerns grow over infection risks, injuries and the welfare burden placed on animals.

3 Tokyo Michelin-Listed Meals (Under $10!)

Japan byFood and Shizuka are back with Worth The Trip the series where we will discover food spots in Japan that are actually worth traveling for! This time we are going to award-winning eats around Tokyo under one rule – we can only eat for $10 or around ¥1,600 yen.

< 2 3 4 5 >