Mie

Japan

Mie Prefecture is Japan's third-largest tea producer and the leading region for kabusecha, a semi-shaded tea that bridges the gap between sun-grown sencha and fully shaded gyokuro. The practice of covering tea bushes with shade netting for one to two weeks before harvest increases L-theanine and reduces catechins, giving kabusecha a mellower, sweeter taste than regular sencha. The Ise and Suzuka areas are the primary growing districts, benefiting from mild Pacific maritime weather and acidic soils. Much of Mie's tea is also blended into Kyoto's supply chain, often appearing under the prestigious Uji brand name.