Austin`s Tea Journey
My experience at D:Matcha taught me countless lessons not only about tea, but also about caring for the Earth, honoring tradition, and caring for your community. Working in the daily operations on the farm opened my eyes to the impact that a business can create beyond just growing tasty matcha. I walked away from this experience with more questions than I started with, and a growing curiosity for tea culture in Japan.
I was completely immersed in the world of tea starting on my first day, a feeling that never faded during my internship. Typically starting my day with a sencha brewing session at the shrine across the road, every moment was filled with wonder and a deep admiration for the beautiful landscape of Yubune. Even after the longest farming days, I felt a sense of purpose and achievement knowing my work was contributing to delicious, healthy tea to be enjoyed around the globe.
Working at D:Matcha also provided a special chance to connect with the fellow interns and employees, a dynamic array of matcha lovers crossing borders to expand their horizons and share each other's passion for tea. I was constantly inspired to learn from new perspectives and understand how tea could be the needle that threads them all together. I'm so grateful for Daiki-san, Misato-san, and the rest of the team that gave their full hearts to our mission every single day!
