Hokusan Tea Canada is a wholesaler of premium Japanese green tea, specializing in Matcha, and offering various tea grades and accessories. Our goal is to integrate Japanese tea philosophy into everyday life, providing a moment of serenity and inner peace with our authentic Japanese green tea.
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About us
Japanese tea philosophy into everyday life.
Who We Are
Our Philosophy
Our hope is to spread our love of green tea worldwide and encourage mindfulness and Japanese green tea philosophy. In addition, Tea farmers are facing sustainability challenges such as the aging of tea farmers and climate change. We are committed to supporting Japanese green tea farmers and promoting physical and mental well-being for future generations.
Interview with Rikko Osaki, Founder of Hokusan Tea Canada
Introduction
Rikko Osaki is the founder of Hokusan Tea Canada and hails from Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Her company has been bringing award-winning Japanese tea to Canada, earning recognition with the Best Japanese Green Tea Award from the North American Tea Association in both 2022 and 2023. Rikko is passionate about the future of the Japanese tea industry, stating, "The only way to save the Japanese tea industry is through exporting." We spoke with Rikko about the challenges facing the Japanese tea industry, her business, and her personal journey.
- Rikko, what inspired you to start a Japanese tea business?
My brother was the key factor. Growing up in Shizuoka, I was already familiar with tea. My brother, who is a qualified Japanese tea instructor, started exporting tea from Japan. In 2019, he asked if I wanted to help with wholesale in Canada. Although it was new to me, I worked with him for six months, did market research, and saw the potential. That’s when I decided to start Hokusan Tea Canada.
- What types of tea do you offer?
We source a variety of Japanese teas from regions like Shizuoka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima. Our offerings include sencha, hojicha, and genmaicha, but we primarily focus on matcha and organic matcha. Unlike many companies that mix tea with herbs and spices, we exclusively sell pure Japanese tea and supply cafes and restaurants
- When did your company start operating?
We launched at the Toronto Tea Festival in 2020. Despite having no prior experience, I worked hard to sell the tea my brother sent. We made a good impression and secured some contracts. However, just two weeks after the festival, the pandemic hit, leading to cancellations. It wasn't until the second year, after persistent efforts and distributing samples, that we began to secure more contracts.
- That sounds challenging. What obstacles did you encounter?
We faced significant logistics issues. Shipments that should have taken a month began taking up to six months due to the pandemic. Additionally, we dealt with wildfires and strikes. Despite these hurdles, our team has grown exponentially. Even though it’s our fourth year as of 2024, it still feels like we’re in the early stages of growth.
- Do you visit Japan often?
Yes, I regularly visit tea markets and meet with tea farmers in Japan. During a visit at the end of 2021, I learned about the serious challenges facing the tea industry in Shizuoka. Tea consumption in Japan has dropped significantly over the past 20 years, and many tea farmers are aging with no successors. This shift towards coffee and the fading tea culture was quite shocking.
- That’s surprising. Can you share more about your experience in Japan?
I had the opportunity to train at a 500-year-old tea farm in Shizuoka for six months. Initially, I focused on enriching the soil by hand and wasn’t allowed to touch the tea plants. This rigorous training provided me with valuable knowledge and confidence in tea farming.
- Since you’re from Shizuoka, when did you move to Canada?
I moved to Victoria, British Columbia, as an exchange student at 15. Living in Canada for many years, I found Victoria less diverse compared to Toronto, making adaptation challenging. During university, I experienced an identity crisis, struggling to fit in as both Canadian and Japanese due to communication differences.
- That must have been difficult.
It was. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, I took a two-year leave from university to volunteer in Tohoku. This experience helped me reconnect with my Japanese identity. Now, I embrace both identities and see them as complementary rather than conflicting.
- What do you think makes Japanese tea special?
Japanese tea culture is about fostering connections, often served to guests at home. Tea’s caffeine can enhance concentration, and theanine has a calming effect. In today’s stressful world, taking time to enjoy tea can provide relaxation and mental support.
- How does tea impact people?
Drinking tea offers a moment of relaxation and presence. It’s important to recognize that each cup reflects the hard work of tea farmers, who spend seven years from planting to harvesting. Exporting tea is crucial for the industry’s sustainability, and tea exports have been increasing recently.
- There’s been a rise in matcha-based products in Toronto. What’s your take?
The popularity of Starbucks’ matcha latte has certainly played a role. With growing health consciousness and matcha’s appeal among young people, Canada is now among the top five countries for matcha exports and leads in export growth. Promoting Japanese tea can help support the industry and leverage this market potential.
- Any final message for our readers?
I hope you find time to enjoy a cup of tea. Whether alone or with others, I’d be happy if everyone takes a moment to brew tea slowly and relax.
Interview Source: https://torja.ca/rikko-oosaki
About Rikko Osaki
Rikko Osaki, originally from Shizuoka City, Japan, moved to Victoria, British Columbia, at 15 for an exchange program. She later attended York University in Toronto and worked as a marketing specialist before founding Hokusan Tea Canada in 2020. Her company specializes in wholesaling Japanese tea and matcha to businesses and cafes in Canada. Rikko continues to promote the charm of Japanese tea through various events, aiming to be the top Japanese tea supplier in Canada.
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