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Why I started Gathered Leaves

I started Gathered Leaves to bring more attention to Japanese loose leaf tea and the farmers who produce it.

In spring 2026, I spent three months interning at Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms. Harvesting and processing tea gave me a closer understanding of the work behind it. Presenting lectures to tea tour guests gave me a chance to share that work with others.

Through tastings and hands-on workshops, I want to help more people find Japanese teas they enjoy and feel comfortable brewing them at home.

I’ll use this blog to share what I’m learning about tea, its producers, and its preparation.