Our Story

Generations of Tea Expertise, A Passion for Hojicha

Founded in 1902, Maruyoshi has a long history in Japanese tea. Over four generations, we have developed and refined our expertise in selecting tea leaves, blending, and roasting.

Under the leadership of Kenji Yoshinaga, the company shifted its focus to hojicha, developing a distinctive specialization in the art of tea roasting. Today, Hojicha Maruyoshi is recognized for its expertise in hojicha roasting. Yoshinaga's dedication to this craft sets him apart as a tea master specializing in hojicha, a rare focus in the Japanese tea industry.

While modern technology has brought greater precision and efficiency to tea production, traditional craftsmanship remains at the heart of everything we do. By combining generations of experience with modern techniques, we continue to explore the remarkable possibilities of hojicha.

As a hojicha specialist based in Shiga Prefecture, historically known as Omi, we have built strong and lasting relationships with local tea growers. Our network of contracted farms covers approximately 125 acres in the Tsuchiyama area, and we purchase around 30% of the tea produced by these farms.

These close relationships give us access to a wide selection of tea leaves, allowing us to carefully choose those best suited to our hojicha.

Shiga's commitment to protecting the water quality of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, has also encouraged environmentally conscious agricultural practices throughout the region.

Through careful selection, blending, and roasting, we create hojicha with a remarkable range of characteristics, from delicate floral and fruity notes to deep, rich roasted flavors. Each tea reflects our dedication to bringing out the best qualities of its leaves.

Our Tea-Growing Partners

We work closely with five tea farmers in the Tsuchiyama area of Shiga Prefecture. These growers share our commitment to producing high-quality tea while preserving the traditions of the region.

Our contracted network covers approximately 125 acres of tea farmland, including around three acres dedicated to organic cultivation.

Our farming partners pay close attention to soil health, cultivation methods, and tea quality. Organic tea fields are managed separately according to their specific cultivation requirements.

Through ongoing collaboration and the exchange of knowledge, we work together to improve the quality of our tea and support the future of tea cultivation in Omi.