Comprehensive report published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in June 2025 on the current status and challenges of Japan's tea industry.
Key Points
1. Overview of Japan's Tea Production
- Industry scale at rough tea stage: 73 billion yen (FY2023)
- Major production areas: 1) Shizuoka, 2) Kagoshima, 3) Mie, 4) Kyoto, 5) Fukuoka
- Top 3 prefectures account for about 70% of national cultivation area
- Kagoshima achieved first place in production volume for first time since statistics began in 2024
2. Production and Price Trends
- Rough tea production declining but increased 5% year-on-year to 84,000 tons in FY2023
- First flush tea prices remain high, second flush and later teas sluggish
- Regional specialty teas produced: sencha, kabusecha, tamaryokucha, gyokuro, tencha
- Cultivation area continues declining trend (2024: 37,000 ha)
3. Consumption and Export Trends
- Domestic consumption in long-term decline
- PET bottle beverages remain steady, leaf tea declining
- Exports hit record high (FY2023: 21.9 billion yen)
- Major export destinations: USA, EU, Taiwan, Hong Kong
4. Future Challenges and Initiatives
- Promoting introduction of smart agriculture technologies
- Expanding organic cultivation and export readiness
- Consumption expansion through "Live with Japanese Tea Project"
- Strengthening response to natural disaster risks
This report provides detailed analysis of structural challenges and growth opportunities facing Japan's tea industry, indicating directions for sustainable development.