ABOUT
Roasted Uroncha produced by Miyazaki Sabou represents a less common yet deeply rooted direction within Japanese tea production, where controlled roasting is applied to green tea material to transform its character. Unlike standard unroasted Japanese teas, this tea undergoes an additional heat treatment, typically performed after the primary processing, allowing the leaves to develop a warmer, more rounded aromatic profile while reducing vegetal sharpness and astringency.
The raw material is carefully selected and processed in Miyazaki Prefecture, a region known for its clean mountain environment and balanced climate, which supports steady leaf development and good accumulation of aromatic compounds. The roasting stage is carried out with precision, as temperature and duration directly influence the final expression of the tea, shifting it from fresh and grassy toward notes of roasted grains, nuts, and gentle sweetness.
This tea reflects a thoughtful interpretation of Japanese tea craftsmanship, where tradition meets subtle innovation. By applying roasting techniques more commonly associated with teas such as hojicha to a different base material, Miyazaki Sabou creates a tea that is both familiar and unique, offering a softer, more accessible profile while preserving the integrity and origin of the leaf.
MIYAZAKI SABOU
Miyazaki Sabou is an example of modern tea farming, where love for nature and a contemporary view of the future of the Japanese tea industry are harmoniously combined. This tea production is focused on producing a unique line of tea, very different from anything you can find in Japan. Many tea gardens are divided into different cultivars grown for certain types of tea on the production territory. They have been cultivating tea for nearly a century, since 1930. Miyazaki Sabou has done organic farming since the 1980s, when it stopped using pesticides and chemical fertilizers. In 2001, it received JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) certification; all its teas are considered 100% Organic. A modern, innovative view of production technologies and the experience adopted from Chinese and Taiwanese colleagues make this tea perfect and worthy of standing in the same line with the genre's classics. Traveling around Japan, we were more than once convinced of this production's excellent reputation and glory. For many Japanese producers, Miyazaki Sabou is a role model and a benchmark for organic farming.
TERROIR
Roasted Uroncha is cultivated in Miyazaki Prefecture, located on the southeastern coast of Japan. The region is characterized by a warm, humid climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean, with abundant rainfall, frequent mist, and moderate temperatures. These conditions support steady plant growth and allow the leaves to develop both aromatic clarity and structural balance.
The tea is produced from the Minamisayaka cultivar, whose name translates as “Southern Freshness.” It is known for its naturally milky, floral, and refreshing aromatic profile. This cultivar was developed at the Miyazaki Agricultural Research Institute in 1970 through a cross between Miya A-6 and NN27, with Miya A-6 itself derived from Takachiho and F1-9-4-48. After nearly two decades of selection and cultivation, Minamisayaka was officially registered as cultivar No. 42 in 1991, recognized for its distinctive balance and expressive character.
The terrain consists of gently sloping hills and mountainous areas with well-drained soils rich in volcanic minerals and organic matter. These soils provide a stable nutrient base, supporting healthy plant development while contributing to the density and integrity of the leaves. The combination of fertile soil and stable climate ensures consistent quality and a refined raw material.
Microclimate plays a defining role, with diffused sunlight, cloud cover, and steady air circulation regulating plant metabolism. This results in a balanced composition of amino acids and polyphenols, supporting both sweetness and gentle structure. The interaction between terroir and cultivar enhances the signature aromatic clarity of Minamisayaka, allowing the tea to express freshness, softness, and precision.