Our Story

Nurtured beneath the sacred Houkisugi – the legendary “Treasure Cedar” that has watched over these lands for more than two millennia – this exquisite tea is cultivated with the care of organic nourishment and timeless tradition.
The ancient Houkisugi, a National Natural Monument of Japan, stands as a majestic guardian of western Tanzawa’s verdant tea fields – a living symbol of harmony between nature and craftsmanship.

Preserving Japan’s Agriculture and Tradition


As Japan’s tea fields quietly fade with the passing of generations, our mission is to breathe new life into this vanishing heritage.
From visionary young entrepreneurs to seasoned artisans, our team stands united in restoring and nurturing these treasured lands once left untended. Through the revival of tea cultivation, we strive to safeguard Japan’s timeless food culture, its precious farmlands, and the natural beauty that sustains them – while also fostering vibrant local communities and contributing to a more equitable future.

Sustainable Cultivation


Nestled just an hour and a half from Tokyo, western Tanzawa remains a sanctuary of untouched beauty – where crystal streams flow through emerald valleys, and the air carries the quiet purity of nature’s breath.
With profound reverence for this land, we cultivate our tea entirely free from chemical fertilizers, nurturing each leaf with rich organic nourishment.
In every cup, the essence of this pristine environment lives on – pure, balanced, and deeply connected to the harmony between people and the earth.

Flavor & Benefits


Each sip reveals the refined character of Yabukita – a harmonious balance of clarity and depth, where a gentle bitterness meets a smooth, rounded finish.
(Yabukita means “north shrub” in Japanese, derived from the words “yabu” (bamboo grove) and “kita” (north). It is the name of Japan’s most popular tea cultivar, known for its well-balanced flavor, hardiness, and high yield. )
Its clean, refreshing aftertaste gives way to a lingering richness that speaks of the land from which it was born. Rich in tea catechins known for their health-enhancing properties, and theanine, which calms the mind and soothes the spirit, this tea offers both sensory pleasure and a quiet restoration of well-being.

Founder’s Message
“Revitalizing Communities, Advancing Everyday Sustainability, and Ensuring the Future of Food.”

I was born and raised in the city, a quintessential urbanite, until the turning point of 2011 – the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Amid widespread social uncertainty, I sought a place where my young child could grow freely and safely. That journey led us to the pristine forests of western Tanzawa, just about two hours from Tokyo, a land rich in greenery and pure water.
Spending weekends immersed in this abundant nature with my family, I had the privilege of meeting the residents of the Houkizawa region. Through these encounters, I learned of the challenges facing the preservation of the remarkable tea fields and farmland under the ancient Houkisugi – a sacred cedar over 2,000 years old and a National Natural Monument.
Inspired to take on a challenge I had long desired, I began cultivating these lands without chemical pesticides, producing safe and sustainable agricultural products.
Our work in western Tanzawa and Houkizawa began with a dual purpose: to help address the pressing challenges of aging farming communities and abandoned farmland in Japan, and to contribute to regional revitalization through sustainable enterprise. Beyond that, we aim to create employment opportunities that support children in need, linking our efforts to tangible, local contributions toward the SDGs and the alleviation of poverty.
In the tea fields beneath the sacred Houkisugi, guided by the wisdom of local residents, our team – from young innovators to seasoned veterans – has begun restoring neglected farmland. Our inaugural release is a new harvest of the highest-grade tea leaves from 2023, cultivated with care, respect, and without the use of chemicals.
The tea is named Houki Green Tea, in honor of the historic Houkisugi, once revered as the “Treasure Cedar,” symbolizing prosperity and abundance. We invite you to experience this treasure of nature, lovingly nurtured and harvested, in every cup.

Toru Ishizuka
Founder of Glovalex Group

Contact Us

We have overseas sales agents in U.S. for North America, Mexico for South America and France for EU.
If you would like to deal/purchase Houki Green Tea, please feel free to contact following windows.
– For corporate contact such as inquiry about dealers affairs, please contact overseas-sales@houki-greentea.jp
– For consumer contact such as purchasing of Houki Green Tea, please contact ask@houki-greentea.jp

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