Japanese cultivar
Fuushun
Fuushun is a high-yielding, cold-resistant tea cultivar developed in Japan through the crossbreeding of Z1 (a natural hybrid of Tamamidori) and Kanayamidori. Fuushun is widely cultivated across Japan due to its vigorous growth, excellent rooting ability, and tolerance to cold, making it particularly suitable for regions with harsher climates.
In terms of quality, Fuushun produces leaves with a slightly dark green to blackish hue and yields a liquor of bright yellow-green. The cup character is medium-bodied, clean, with subtle umami and gentle bitterness, complemented by green and lemon-like aromatic notes. Though not intensely flavoured, it is free of undesirable tastes and particularly well-suited to Sencha and commercial tea beverages. To optimise quality, early harvesting and light to medium deep steaming are recommended. Its name, Fuushun, reflects the fresh fragrance of its spring growth—a trait that made it a strong candidate among names symbolising happiness and seasonal renewal.
Name
Fuushun
Founded
1991
Origin
Japan
Climate
Suitable for cooler climates
Impact
Empowers cold-region tea farming with resilience and high yields.
Fun Fact
Almost named Koufuku, which means “happiness” in Japanese!
History & Genealogy
In 1965, Z1 (a natural seedling of Tamamidori) was crossed with Kanayamidori at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Tea Industry Experiment Station. Selected from the progeny, the line underwent comparative and characteristic testing under the name “NN71” from 1974, and later as “Kanaya No.12” from 1977 in nationwide testing. Recognised for its outstanding performance, it was registered as Norin No.41 in 1991 and named Fuushun.
Father
Z1
(Tamamidori) natural hybrid
Mother
Kanayamidori
Cultivar Specifications
Name
Fuushun
Year of Cultivation
1991
Creator
Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Industry Experiment Station (now NARO Kanaya)
Genealogy
Z1 × Kanayamidori
Agriculture And Forestry Registration
Yes
Seedling Registration
Yes
Early or Late Cultivation
Slightly late
Appearance
Upright
Vigour
Very strong
Yield
Very high
Quality
Slightly good
Cold Resistance
Very strong
Anthrax
Weak
Quality Notes
(as sencha)
Finished Leaf Colour: Slightly dark green to blackish tones
Liquor Colour: Bright yellow-green
Aroma: Subtle, clean, with some green and lemon-like notes
Taste: Medium-bodied, with slight bitterness and umami, no off-flavours
Other Notes: Very high yield, suitable for tea drinks
Brewing Guide
70–75°C
Water Temperature
60–90 sec
Brewing Time
3-4 g / 100 ml
Leaf Quantity
This cultivar is mainly suitable for Sencha, and is also well-suited for tea drinks due to its abundant yield and decent cup quality.
Where To Find
Currently searching…
still brewing
Leave a Reply