#Japan #Hamamatsu #Japanese Tea #Shizuoka Matcha #AI Tea Counseling

Shizuoka Matcha Therapy Aims for the US Wellness Market

Shizuoka Matcha Therapy, developed by Fun Picking Co., Ltd., has recently been accepted into the J-StarX Female Entrepreneur Course, a program directed by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Notably, this initiative is operated by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the American startup support agency, gener8tor. Following this acceptance, Shizuoka Matcha Therapy will be traveling to San Francisco, California, from February 15 to March 1, 2026, to conduct a sampling event of Japanese tea and market research locally.

During their stay in the U.S., they plan to showcase one type of Shizuoka green tea that has received FDA certification, alongside four types of organic Japanese teas: Sencha, Genmaicha, Hojicha, and Kukicha. Additionally, they will introduce an upgraded version of their unique AI Tea Counseling service.

All these teas are sourced and processed within Shizuoka Prefecture, emphasizing quality over quantity. The company carefully selects premium tea leaves primarily from Shizuoka, ensuring they meet strict quality standards. It's important to note that the matcha used exclusively utilizes tea leaves harvested from within the region.

Shizuoka Matcha Therapy seeks to redefine the value and potential of not just matcha but all Japanese teas, including Sencha and Hojicha. They believe that true mental wellness goes beyond mere words. By combining authentic Japanese teas with AI, they aim to offer a wellbeing experience that truly resonates with individuals seeking support for both mind and body.

With the recent increase in demand for Japanese tea overseas, there is a growing need to communicate the right understanding of quality and cultural background. Through direct experiences, this initiative will convey the quality standards and cultural richness of Japanese tea, ultimately enhancing its brand value. Moreover, the company is committed to addressing local challenges, such as succession in tea farming and labor shortages, by securing markets to support sustainability.

A long-term goal for Shizuoka Matcha Therapy is to establish Japanese tea as a viable option within America's wellness culture.

Supplementary Information on Local Events and Sampling

Free Sampling at ShowCase

• - Date and Time: February 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• - Location: 111 Minna Gallery and Event Space, San Francisco, California

Note: This event will be held within a program for invitees only, and the general public will not be allowed entry.

Free Sampling at Plug and Play Tech Center

• - Date and Time: February 24, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
• - Location: Plug and Play Tech Center, Sunnyvale, California

Note: This event is limited to tenants and invited guests.

Stay tuned for updates on these events and more through Shizuoka Matcha Therapy's official Instagram account, where they will share the latest news and announcements. Please note that at these events, products will not be sold; tea tasting experiences will be offered instead.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Fun Picking Co., Ltd.
• - Address: Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 100-1 Kaji-cho, Zaza City Hamamatsu Chuo-kan B1F
• - Website: funpicking.com
• - Business Focus: Wellbeing initiatives through Japanese tea, development and provision of AI Tea Counseling
• - Brand: Shizuoka Matcha Therapy

For the latest information and event announcements, be sure to follow Shizuoka Matcha Therapy on Instagram: @shizuoka_matcha_therapy.