Comprehensive Tea Solutions: Processing, OEM, and Global Brand Support
Kanei Hitokoto Seicha Inc. handles everything from tea processing at our ISO 22000-certified factory to sales. This certification ensures that every product created is safe and of the highest quality. Kanei Hitokoto Seicha Inc. also offers OEM production services.
In 2024, Kanei Hitokoto Seicha Inc. proudly launched Sawada Matcha, a premium Japanese tea brand. Produced in Japan and branded in the USA, Sawada Matcha is specifically designed for use in cafés.
Company Overview
| Company Name | KANEI HITOKOTO SEICHA INC. |
| Founded | 1865 |
| Headquarters | Shizuoka, Japan |
| History | 1854: The founder, Saisaburō Hitokoto, was born. 1865: After the early death of his father, Isaburō, 11-year-old Saisaburō took over family responsibilities and began running a small shop. This marked the founding of Hitokoto Shōten, which initially dealt in general goods and also provided small loans to local residents. He later became a shareholder of the Enshū Bank, one of the predecessors of today’s Shizuoka Bank. 1878: Saisaburō’s eldest son, Izaemon, was born. He would later lead the family into the tea business. Around this time, tea cultivation on the Makinohara Plateau began to flourish as a local industry. 1914: Following Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War, the economy boomed, and trade with Western countries increased. Green tea gained popularity overseas, and exports through foreign trading firms began. 1920: Business relationships were established with Yamamotoyama (Nihonbashi, Tokyo). 1922: Founder Saisaburō Hitokoto passed away at the age of 88. 1925: Began trading with Kanen (Minatogawa Shrine, Kobe). 1934: Iichirō, grandson of Izaemon and current Chairman, was born. 1953: Iichirō and his younger brother, Shūjirō, began managing Hitokoto Shōten as tea merchants. 1981: The business was reorganized and incorporated as Kanei Hitokoto Seicha Co., Ltd. 1987: Started business with Nihon Nosui, now known as Ito-Yokado. 1993: Built a packaging facility and large refrigerated warehouse in Shimada City, the same location as the company headquarters. Around this time, the company shifted its focus to supplying tea to large retail stores. 2009: Increased capital from 10 million yen to 11 million yen. 2011: Isao Hitokoto became company President.Iichirō Hitokoto assumed the role of Chairman. 2015: Celebrated the 150th anniversary since the founding of Hitokoto Shōten. |
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Quick Overview
Company Name
Kanei Hitokoto Seicha Inc.
Established
1865
Location
1-1-9 Doetsu, Shimada, Shizuoka 427-0019
Main Products
Japanese green tea
Strengths
160 years of expertise, High-quality, safe
Export Availability
Yes