Concept
“Tea Travels”
In Japan, there are many regions known for their Japanese tea. YUCa’s Tea is a collection of teas discovered across the country by culinary expert YUCa. Uji Cha from Kyoto and its surrounding areas, Chiran Cha from Kagoshima, and Tosa Cha from Kochi. The characteristics of each tea vary with the different climates. YUCa ’ s Tea, themed as Tea Travels, introduces the tea regions and foods that pair well with the teas.
There is surely a world of tea you have yet to discover. Take a relaxing break with YUCa’ s Tea during your work or on your days off. Why not take an easy journey through Japanese tea?
YUCa’s Tea is a premium collection of Japanese teas. We are committed to growing our brand based on the following three policies:
1. Quality First
YUCa’s Tea is committed to pursuing quality. We seek to discover delicious Japanese teas and act as a bridge or interpreter between producers and consumers. In addition to taste, we place great importance on the visual appeal and presence of YUCa’s Tea products in our customers’ daily lives. Whether our products are chosen as gifts for loved ones, we aim to create a brand that evokes a memorable and emotional experience when presented as a gift.
2. Exploring Tea Pairing
The enjoyment of pairing Japanese tea with food is called tea pairing. In Japan, the characteristics of tea vary by region, and there is a wide variety of local cuisine and traditional sweets as well. The possibilities for tea pairings are numerous, and when considering the four seasons, the range of variations is vast. In recent years, with the rise of health-consciousness and the increasing number of people who do not drink alcohol, we believe the demand for tea pairing will continue to grow. YUCa’s Tea will continue to propose ways to enjoy the pairing of Japanese tea with food.
3. For the Future of Japanese Tea
Due to the global trend in Japanese cuisine and the increasing health consciousness, the export volume of Japanese tea has risen, and the market for bottled green tea is expanding both domestically and internationally. On the other hand, it is also true that more households do not own a traditional teapot for brewing tea. YUCa’s Tea offers a wide range of products, from easy-to-brew tea bags to premium loose leaf teas. With the theme of “Tea Travels,” we also offer matcha tea ceremony kits and tea travel sets. Our matcha products cater to both traditional tea ceremonies and more casual occasions, such as sprinkling matcha on ice cream or other desserts. We aim to be a brand that adapts flexibly to consumer needs, offering products for both formal and casual tea-drinking moments.
Message from YUCa
For over a decade, while running a Japanese cooking class for foreign visitors “YUCa’s Japanese Cooking”, I have felt that the charm of Japanese food culture has not yet been fully conveyed, and that its value can be elevated even more.
My cooking class begins with serving Japanese tea. We start by placing tea leaves in a teapot and slowly pouring hot water over them. After a brief pause while we engage in conversation, the tea is poured into individual cups. We emphasize not just the act of drinking tea, but also the series of actions and the flow of time that precede it, allowing our guests to fully enjoy the tea experience.
When I considered how to convey the charm of Japan’s regions through this Japanese tea, I thought about connecting it with my deep love for travel. I realized that whenever I travel, I’m an avid foodie, trying as many local dishes and unique sweets as possible. I discovered that Japan’s regions each have their own distinctive teas and foods, and the combinations are limitless.
I envisioned a Japanese tea brand that connects the dots of local teas across Japan, creating a stronger and more cohesive connection. Thus, I founded YUCa’s Tea.
Brand Owner,
Culinary Expert
Our Team
Brand Owner, Culinary Expert
Originally from Fukushima Prefecture. Coming from a family of farmers, she grew up consuming local grown food from northern part of Japan. Worked as a food writer in Toronto (Canada) and New York (U.S.A), she came back to Tokyo and worked at a fermented food & vegetarian/vegan cuisine restaurant and kindergarten as a chef. Founded Japanese cooking classes in 2013 and teaches home cooking for guests from all over the world while creating more recipes. Published the “YUCa’s Japanese Cooking ~The first cookbook by YUCa~” (only in English) in April, 2019. Launched recipe app “Recipe by YJC” in February, 2020. Honored as the “Best cooking class in Japan 2018 & 2019”, “Best of the Best 2021 & 2023” by TripAdvisor. In 2023, launched the premium Japanese tea brand YUCa’s Tea.
A wife & mother of two children and two toy poodles.
Creative Director
Originally from Fukuoka Prefecture. Engaged in the formulation and execution of growth strategies at both a business corporation and a consulting firm. With over 20 years of practical experience in business development, product development, marketing, sales, and overseas market expansion.
Selected as a ‘Sake Innovator’ by the business magazine Forbes Japan, which is published in 40 countries, and has been leading the way in the emerging Japanese sake market.
