#Japan #Tokyo #Buccha #TERA Tech #Blue Farm

Buccha: A Sustainable Solution for Japanese Temples and Tea Culture

In the bustling world of traditional Japanese tea, a new beverage named Buccha (仏茶), is set to make waves. Slated for release by the end of 2025, this sustainable green tea drink is the brainchild of a collaborative effort between TERA Tech Inc. and Blue Farm Inc.. TERA Tech, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, aims to revitalize local communities by addressing various challenges faced by temples, including a dwindling connection with local residents and the preservation of cultural landscapes. Blue Farm, located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, focuses on building a sustainable tea industry while promoting corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives.

The Purpose Behind Buccha

Addressing issues such as the weakening ties between temples and their congregations, the decline in active tea farmers due to an aging population, and the need to preserve Japan's beautiful rural scenery, Buccha offers an innovative solution. The vision is simple yet profound: drinking this tea contributes to the preservation of both local communities and tea plantations. Daisuke Aoki, CEO of Blue Farm, elaborates on the project's significance by connecting the sustainability of the tea industry to the continuity of regional culture. The tea is made from organic leaves and incorporates visible CO₂ absorption values, directly linking eco-conscious choices to cultural heritage.

Atsushi Mori, CEO of TERA Tech, adds, “Temples have historically been cultural hubs, connecting people and traditions. Buccha aims to redefine this role in a modern context, creating opportunities for new forms of engagement between temples and visitors.”

Development Intentions and the Meaning Behind Buccha

The Buccha project recognizes a troubling trend in Japan: as young people migrate to urban areas, the bond between local communities and their temples fades. This disconnect demands fresh avenues for engagement even as the country's tea industry faces challenges such as the loss of farmlands and a plummeting workforce willing to cultivate tea.

By fostering collaboration between temples—traditional stewards of Buddhism—and tea farming, Buccha intends to forge a connection between these pillars of Japanese culture and local society. Aoki points out that “the sustainability of the tea industry is deeply intertwined with our regional cultures, making Buccha a platform for showcasing these values.” You can find more about Blue Farm's efforts to visualize CO₂ absorption and realize environmental benefits at their website here.

What is Buccha?

Buccha is a sustainable green tea drink encapsulated as a “cup of prayer,” designed to be gentle on the environment and communities alike. It features organically grown tea leaves from Aotoen Farm, a producer with over 400 years of history in Fujieda, Shizuoka. Buccha doesn't compromise on taste while committing to eco-friendly practices. The name itself draws from the Buddhist principle of compassion, embodying a commitment to coexistence with nature.

Highlighting the essence of coexistence, the Buccha branding reflects three core messages:

• - The vital cycle of life in rural landscapes
• - The preservation and continuation of tea farming
• - The essential connection to our planet for future generations

Through its design, Buccha allows consumers to feel a tangible connection with their environment, promoting an intuitive understanding of regional and ecological relationships. Not only does it lower barriers between Buddhism and society, but it also invites individuals to embrace Buddhist values naturally.

Product Overview

• - Product Name: Buccha (仏茶)
• - Volume: 125ml
• - Ingredients: Organic tea leaves (domestically sourced)
• - Container Material: Recyclable paper
• - Sales Channels: Available at temples across the nation
• - Usage Scenarios: Ideal for religious events, welcoming visitors, and enhancing community engagement.

Roadmap for the Future

Looking ahead, Buccha anticipates launching reservation sales in October 2025. The initiative aims to expand as a collaborative model that intersects traditional industries with regional cultures and environmental values. TERA Tech and Blue Farm will explore diverse partnerships to solidify their role as connectors between temples and society.

For interested parties: Temple representatives can register via this form for updates, while businesses and organizations looking to collaborate may use this contact form.

About TERA Tech Inc.

Founded in October 2022, TERA Tech leverages IT solutions to tackle challenges within the temple community, aiming to broaden their influence and mitigate societal isolation.

• - Company Name: TERA Tech Inc.
• - Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Website: here

About Blue Farm Inc.

Established in July 2021, Blue Farm aspires to bridge mountain tea farms with organizations, enabling a sustainable tea industry and showcasing the environmental significance of tea cultivation.

• - Company Name: Blue Farm Inc.
• - Location: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
• - Website: here