Tea picking has begun

This year, we have been picking new shoots since April 27th.

First, the tea leaves that will become sencha (deep-steamed tea) are picked.

This year's new buds are growing freely and producing fragrant new tea.

Naturally grown, hand-picked

Every year during the May holidays, my children and their friends come to pick them.

Helping with tea picking

Hand-picked Sencha (deep-steamed tea)

In the past, local students would come pick tea leaves on their way home from school to earn some pocket money.

Children who have had the experience of picking them when they were young

Even though it's been a while since I last picked them as an adult, I'm still good at it.

Now that view is gone,

It makes me happy to see the kids picking them.

To preserve the traditional hand-picking method

I want to convey this message.