Cultivar and technical information
Kondô-wase is an early cultivar selected by Kondô Hiromasa from a cross between the famous classic Yabukita cultivar and the hybrid Assam-Japanese variety—Shizu-inzatsu 131. These are “inzatsu” cultivars that are renowned for their distinct aromas.
Today, only one producer makes use of this cultivar. And this particular sencha from Mariko in Shizuoka comes from a handpicked harvest. Each year, a very small batch of this tea is produced as one of the very first spring teas from Shizuoka Prefecture.

The nose
The infusion offers a delicate floral, fruity fragrance. We also find notes of lily-of-the-valley, grapes, but also green peas.

The mouth
This sencha is fluid and refreshing, while remaining very present in the mouth. It initially has green peas aromas, giving way to more floral sensations, partway between lily-of-the-valley and jasmine. The tea has very little astringency and a discreet, elegant umami.
In subsequent infusions, grape notes are more prominent.
And in the mouth, it has powerful sweet persistence.

Summary
This Kondô-wase is a high-end, rich and complex sencha. It also has a strong personality, characteristic of hybrid “inzatsu” cultivars. At the same time, the tea shows itself as slightly different from its Sôfû and Fuji-kaori cousins.

Technical description
Type of tea: Futsumushi (normal-steamed) sencha
Origin: Mariko, Suruga Borough, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Cultivar: Kondô wase
Harvest: 　April 9th, 2026, handpicked