Shūbun

September 23rd marks Shūbun (Autumn Equinox).

Day and night meet in equal measure, and from this turning point onward, the veil of night gradually begins to linger a little longer.

In tea fields nestled among the mountains, the leaves that have weathered the summer are given their final harvest, and the soil is tended with care in anticipation of the spring that will eventually return.

It is also the season when the sweet fragrance of kinmokusei (fragrant olive) drifts unexpectedly upon the breeze, quietly reminding us that the season has moved on.

After making our way through the intense heat of summer, fatigue can settle into both body and mind without us even noticing.

In Japanese, the word mucha, meaning “unreasonable” or “reckless,” is written with the characters for “without tea.” Perhaps, in days without a cup of tea to invite us to pause, we find ourselves pushing a little further than we realize.

Before the abundance of autumn gives way to preparations for winter, take a moment to slow your pace and breathe deeply.

For an autumn equinox evening, we have created a blend to quietly accompany that moment.

Our popular No.3 Deep-Roasted Hojicha forms the base, layered with persimmon leaves, kuromoji branches, and kinmokusei blossoms—a special blend that captures the beautiful progression of aromas as they gently unfold.

From the rising steam comes the soft floral fragrance of kinmokusei, followed by the clear, refined woody aroma of kuromoji.

On the palate, a warm, comforting sweetness reminiscent of roasted sweet potato and brown sugar gradually unfolds, while a pleasant cacao-like bitterness emerges from beneath, leaving a quiet, lingering finish.

The deep, savory character of the roasted tea leaves harmonizes gently with the flavors of autumn and seasonal sweets.

Listen closely to the changing season, and quietly raise the cup.

Allow the lingering fatigue of summer to gently unwind, and enjoy a restorative moment to bring body and mind back into rhythm with the turning seasons.