Kagoshima Matcha

When people in Britain think of matcha, Uji may be the first Japanese place name that comes to mind. Yet Japan’s tea culture is far wider. Kagoshima, at the southern tip of Kyushu, is one of the country’s most important tea-producing regions. It is also a place with a remarkable historical connection to Britain.

More than 160 years ago, Kagoshima was the centre of the powerful Satsuma Domain. In 1863, Satsuma and Britain fought the Anglo-Satsuma War in Kagoshima Bay. Despite the conflict, both sides soon recognised the benefits of cooperation. Satsuma sought British ships, technology and knowledge, while Britain developed commercial and diplomatic relations with one of Japan’s most influential regions.

Only two years later, nineteen students and officials secretly left Satsuma to study in Britain. Many attended University College London and later played important roles in the modernisation of Japan, including education, industry, diplomacy and international trade.

Another important figure in this growing relationship was Tōgō Heihachirō, a Kagoshima-born samurai. From 1871 to 1878, he studied naval affairs in Britain and trained aboard HMS Worcester. He later sailed to Japan aboard Hiei, a Japanese warship built near Pembroke Dock in Wales. He eventually became an admiral and, in 1905, commanded the Japanese fleet from the British-built flagship Mikasa, winning a decisive victory at the Battle of Tsushima during the Russo-Japanese War.

A relationship that began with conflict developed through education, shipbuilding, trade and mutual respect.

Today, Iwata Japan Shop continues this connection in a gentler form by introducing Kagoshima Matcha to Britain — one cup at a time.

Discover Kagoshima Matcha