Why source from Japan
Chiran's warm-climate ichibancha (mid-April) is Japan's earliest commercial green tea; mellow profile distinct from Shizuoka.
Key spec
Catechin 10-14%; theanine 1.5-2.5%; characteristic mellow low-astringency profile; vegetal sweet aroma.
Typical end-product
Premium loose-leaf retail, RTD bottled tea, premium-tea-bag retail.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- Phase 1 onboarding in progress
- Typical MOQ
- 5–25 kg loose leaf; 1–10 kg specialty
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Kagoshima (Minamikyushu / Chiran)
- Category
- Beverage ingredients
- Harvest season
- Mid-April – early May (ichibancha)
- Japan regulatory status
- JAS for tea; Kagoshima regional brand
- Japanese name
- 知覧茶
- Romaji
- 知覧茶
About this ingredient
Premium Kagoshima tea from the Chiran district (Minamikyushu City). Kagoshima is now Japan's second-largest tea-producing prefecture (after Shizuoka), and Chiran is its most-prestigious sub-region. Distinguished by warm-climate cultivation that yields earlier ichibancha (April vs late-April Shizuoka) and characteristic mellow, low-astringency profile. Substantial export to Asian and Western premium-tea retail. Distinct from existing tea entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | JAS for tea; Kagoshima regional brand |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; tea classification |
| United States | GRAS; cosmetic use under MoCRA |
| China | GACC food facility registration |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Chiran Tea (Kagoshima Premium) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Sencha Extract
煎茶エキス
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea)
焙じ茶
MOQ from 20–100 kg (powder); 50–200 kg (loose).
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Easier China regulatory path
Chiran Tea (Kagoshima Premium) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Imo-Shōchū (Sweet Potato Shōchū)
薩摩芋焼酎
Alcohol 20-45%; ester profile dominated by ethyl caproate / acetate; lees rich in amino acid + peptides.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Iki Mugi-Shōchū (Iki Barley Shōchū)
壱岐麦焼酎
Alcohol 25-44%; barley-derived light profile; ethyl-acetate notes; volcanic-island water mineral profile.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Phase 1 manufacturer onboarding is in progress. If you are actively sourcing this ingredient and would like to be introduced to candidate Japanese producers, send an inquiry and our team will return with options.
Disclaimer
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Last updated: 2026-05-05