Exploring the Potential of Matcha and Japanese Tea Markets in Silicon Valley

Exploring Matcha and Japanese Tea in Silicon Valley

On April 13, 2026, Fan Picking Co., Ltd., headquartered in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, will host a report meeting at KADODE OOIGAWA in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This event will present the results of a market survey and sampling of Japanese tea and matcha conducted in San Francisco in February 2026 as part of the J-StarX program, supported by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Background of the Event

Recently, matcha has gained immense popularity internationally due to rising health consciousness and wellness trends. However, the overall value of Japanese tea has yet to be adequately communicated overseas, leading to gaps and challenges in local markets. In this initiative, the team engaged with startup representatives and business professionals in Silicon Valley, offering samples of Japanese tea while collecting real-time feedback and insights on local preferences and trends. Furthermore, comparisons with a previous market survey conducted in Los Angeles two years ago will be analyzed to provide a comprehensive view of market changes and advancements in trends.

Seminar Details

The report meeting will feature practical insights beyond mere market data, including:

- Detailed accounts of sampling activities in San Francisco.
- Current state and trends of the matcha market on the U.S. West Coast.
- Genuine local reactions to Japanese tea.
- Analysis of changes observed from the Los Angeles study.
- Key points in PR preparations prior to entering the U.S. market.
- Challenges and solutions regarding PR strategies for overseas expansion.

This seminar promises to deliver actionable insights for tea producers and agricultural businesses considering overseas expansions.

Event Overview

- Date: April 13, 2026, from 14:00 to 15:15 (with registration starting at 13:45)
- Venue: KADODE OOIGAWA Multipurpose Room, 62 Takeshita, Shimada, Shizuoka, 428-0008. Access here
- Participation Fee: Free
- Capacity: 30 participants
- Target Audience: Tea and agricultural business operators within Shizuoka Prefecture interested in overseas expansion or PR. Participation is also open to industry outsiders.
- Registration: Sign up here

Featured Speaker

Tamaki Natsume, the CEO of Fan Picking Co., Ltd., comes from Kosai City, Shizuoka. She has a background in consulting for companies facing business challenges, particularly focusing on marketing for major corporations, including automotive manufacturers. She became independent in 2019 and has since developed PR support initiatives aimed at regional revitalization, such as the 'Hamamatsu California Project.' Currently, she is working on the AI counseling venture 'Shizuoka Matcha Therapy' to create new value for Japanese tea and promote its overseas expansion.

Future Outlook

Fan Picking Co., Ltd. aims to redefine Japanese tea from merely a beverage to a 'wellness experience,' seeking to establish new value in international markets. Through this report meeting, there are hopes that initiatives originating from Shizuoka will expand both nationally and internationally, unearthing new possibilities for regional resources.

Company Overview

- Company Name: Fan Picking Co., Ltd.
- Address: 100-1 Kaji Town, Central District, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Zaza City Hamamatsu Central Building, B1F
- Website: Visit us here
- Business Areas: Well-being initiatives through Japanese tea, development and provision of AI Tea Counseling.
- Brand: Shizuoka Matcha Therapy