December 2024 Newsletter

Internship Selection for 2025 (Daiki T.)

As 2024 drew to a close, we wrapped up the application period for our 2025 internship program. With the process now underway, we are carefully reviewing documents and conducting online interviews with the candidates. For the initial document screening, our dedicated staff worked thoughtfully with clear selection criteria to shortlist candidates. As for the interviews, I personally take the time to connect with each candidate. These conversations are not about testing skills but about discovering their perspectives, values, and compatibility with d:matcha.

This year, fueled by a growing global love for matcha, we received an incredible 439 applications for just 20 internship spots—a new record for us. Our internship program has grown into something truly special for d:matcha, holding significance far beyond its original purpose. Here’s why it matters so deeply to us:

1. Discovering Mutual Compatibility

The internship gives us and our candidates the chance to see if we’re a good fit for each other. Living and working in Wazuka, especially in the secluded Yubune district, is an experience like no other. It’s vastly different from a brief visit as a tourist. For d:matcha, finding the right team member is essential, as our rural setting makes quick replacements challenging. Through the internship, we can align expectations and nurture connections that lead to long-term, fulfilling employment.

2. Building Lifelong Partnerships

Many of our interns come with dreams of starting their own tea businesses. When our values, product standards, and goals resonate during their time here, these interns often become treasured business partners. It brings us immense pride to support their journeys, and we are deeply motivated to provide the finest tea, products, and guidance to help them succeed. These shared meals, conversations, and experiences create bonds that last well beyond the program.

3. Lending a Hand During Peak Seasons

Tea cultivation is beautifully tied to the seasons. From late April to July, our days are filled with bustling activity, while winters are more restful. Having passionate interns join us during these busy months is not just helpful—it’s inspiring. Their diverse talents, whether in business strategy, research, or creative arts, leave lasting impressions on our work and elevate what we do.

4. Creating a Global Family

To date, we have welcomed around 50 interns from all corners of the world, and the connections we’ve built are truly priceless. Staying in touch with them, hearing their updates, and even visiting them in their home countries fills us with joy and gratitude. When they return to visit Wazuka, it’s a reminder of the lasting relationships this program fosters.

As we prepare to welcome our 20 new interns this year, my heart is filled with excitement and hope. I can’t wait to see the memories we’ll create together and the meaningful ways we’ll grow, learn, and inspire each other.

Here’s to another year of connection, collaboration, and the shared love of tea that brings us all together!

Surprised by Frosted Tea Leaves (S. Mahdaria)

This is my first winter in Japan, and I’m so excited to see snow on the tea farm! Unfortunately, I haven’t seen any snow in Wazuka so far. According to the locals, this year’s winter is a bit late and not as cold as the previous one. Well, I still have two months left to wait for the snow because, according to Daiki-san, Wazuka usually experiences at least one snowfall a year.

About two weeks ago, I opened the office window before starting work on d:matcha’s video editing. I was surprised to see a white layer on our tea farm! It turned out the tea leaves were frosty! I quickly grabbed our camera and ran to the farm to capture this magnificent view. I was ecstatic to see the crystal-like ice on the tea leaves. When I touched it, the frost made a crispy sound, like a cracker! It was such a joyful experience.

Frosty tea leaves in winter result from specific conditions, such as temperatures below freezing, high humidity, and clear, calm nights. These factors allow moisture in the air to condense and freeze on the leaves, forming frost. Geographical features like valleys, where cold air settles, and moist surroundings also contribute to frost formation. Clear skies further enhance radiational cooling, lowering surface temperatures and increasing the likelihood of frost.

While frost can sometimes enhance the flavor complexity of tea by stimulating the production of protective compounds, prolonged exposure can damage the leaves, reducing their quality and yield. Farmers often employ techniques like covering plants or irrigating fields to protect crops from frost damage.

All in all, witnessing frost on the tea farm has been an unforgettable experience for me!

Pop Up Season is Back! (Seiya H.)

The season has come again for me to say, "These are handmade by me!" while offering samples for sale. In mid-December, I participated in a week-long event at the Hanshin Umeda Department Store in Osaka.

Since I enjoy the city and love visiting department stores and shopping malls, having the opportunity to conduct sample sales in one of them was an incredibly valuable experience. During the February event, most of the surrounding shops were selling chocolate, but this time, it was a matcha fair. The atmosphere was beautifully green, with the nearby stores showcasing matcha sweets.

At this event, friends from Kansai dropped by to visit, and my colleagues even came on their days off to explore and enjoy the products from various stores.

Thanks to the many customers who came, some products were sold out toward the end. However, I tried to ensure that no one left disappointed by saying, "How about this instead?" and finding ways to satisfy them in some form.

This month, there will be another event near Tennoji Station at the Kintetsu Abeno store. I plan to make handmade chocolates and deliver them to everyone there as well.