Beyond Organic – A Different Approach to Tea Cultivation
In recent years, Japanese green tea—especially matcha—has gained increasing attention around the world.
Along with this trend, terms such as organic, sustainable, and natural are often used to describe tea.
However, in Japan, there is another approach to tea cultivation that is still largely unknown overseas:
Naturally grown tea.
At Kenichi Shizen Nouen, this method forms the foundation of everything we do.
This article explains what naturally grown tea means, how it differs from organic tea, and why some Japanese farmers choose this path.
What Is Organic Tea?
Organic tea is produced according to officially defined standards and certification systems.
These standards differ by country but generally regulate:
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The types of fertilizers and pesticides that can be used
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Soil management practices
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Record keeping and inspections
Organic certification plays an important role in global trade.
It provides clarity, consistency, and reassurance—especially for consumers and businesses unfamiliar with individual producers.
We respect organic agriculture and understand why many buyers search for organic tea first.
For a more detailed comparison, see our article:
→ Naturally Grown Tea vs Organic Tea
Is Naturally Grown Tea Organic?
This is a common question.
Technically speaking, naturally grown tea is not always certified organic.
However, in practice, it follows principles that are fully organic—and in many cases, goes beyond them.
At Kenichi Shizen Nouen, we do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and we cultivate our tea in a way that respects the natural balance of the field.
In this sense, our approach clearly fits within the broad definition of organic agriculture.
What makes naturally grown tea beyond organic is not the absence of chemicals, but the intention behind the cultivation.
The main difference lies in structure:
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Organic: certification-based, system-driven
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Naturally grown: farmer-driven, philosophy-based
Organic certification provides an important framework and standard.
Naturally grown farming, on the other hand, is guided by daily observation, long-term care of the soil, and decisions made directly in the field rather than on paper.
For professional buyers, transparency, consistency, and direct communication with the producer are often more meaningful than labels alone.
That is why we choose to share not only how our tea is grown, but also why we grow it this way.
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Interested in working with us?
If you are a tea shop, café, restaurant, or distributor looking for Japanese tea grown with care and intention,
we would be happy to hear from you.
Please feel free to contact us for inquiries regarding:
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Current product availability
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Price range and minimum order quantities
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Samples for professional use
We respond to each inquiry personally and aim to build long-term relationships with our partners.
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