Hekisuien

Brand story

Since its founding in 1867, Hekisuien has been dedicated solely to the craft of Uji tea. Located in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture — nestled between the birthplace of Japanese green tea in Ujitawara to the east and the premium gyokuro-producing area of Kyotanabe to the west — the company sits at the geographic center of Japan's most celebrated tea region. In the Taisho era, the company's president Kishiro Horii pioneered the blending of roasted rice with tea, creating what would become genmaicha, first registered in 1923 as 'Hana Yanagi'. Guided by the principle 'always remain humble', Hekisuien carries on its traditions under the Tengu trademark — named after the long-nosed spirit of folklore as a reminder against arrogance. All drinking-grade matcha is made from first-flush Kyoto Prefecture tea and is 100% stone-mill ground with no additives. The company earned JAS Organic certification in 2007 and continues to operate as both a wholesale distributor and direct retailer.