Every year since 1998 (except 2007-2015) I have helped work for a tea farmer in Ujitawara town. This is my 19th year.
A riding-type plucking machine. I hope to be able to move it someday.
This year, from the end of February to the beginning of June, I helped manage the tea plantation at Moriguchi Farm in Ujitawara, which I have been a part of since 2023. This tea farm is located deep in the mountains.
Mr. Moriguchi, a devoted farmer, is known for producing the finest Uji tea.
Many fertilizers are applied well to produce traditional Uji tea.
There are many different types of tea plantations, and each has its own unique working methods and timing.
As the method of covering changes, the leaves we aim for and idealize also change. It is exciting every day because of all the things I didn’t know.
I also went to help out at collective tea gardens (large tea plantations).
Knowing that the height to be mowed is also decided very nervously and
Carrying handpicked exhibited tea buds and
Closing the cover or
Helping with the harvest
I am constantly updating the information I have at the forefront of Uji tea production.
As I look at various tea gardens, it becomes clearer and clearer what kind of tea I want to make.
I will make sure to convey the information on Uji tea production gained from this experience through hands-on experience and other means.
Three months fly by once they pass. We are making good tea again this year.